ICC World Cup 2019: Match 13, Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Weather forecast | Hourly temperature and chances of rain

High-flying New Zealand will be aiming to become the first team this World Cup to register three wins when they take on struggling Afghanistan at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. New Zealand has made a fine start to the competition to the competition by winning their both games. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is the only team in the competition so far who are yet to register a win.

New Zealand enters the contest as firm favourites. In their last outing, they beat Bangladesh in a thrilling encounter. The Kiwi bowlers did a fine job by restricting Bangladesh to a modest 244. Matt Henry once again starred with the ball by picking up 4 for 47. In reply, New Zealand was cruising. They were 160 for 2 with Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson going strong in the middle. However, Bangladesh clawed their way back by reducing New Zealand to 191 for 5.

The Tigers then struck twice in quick succession to remove Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme and leave New Zealand 218-7, needing 27 from 39 balls. Matt Henry was bowled by Mohammad Saifuddin with seven required but Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner made sure to take the Kiwis over the line with 17 balls to spare.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, lost their last encounter against Sri Lanka. In a rain-marred match, Afghanistan lost the game by 34 runs (DLS method). The bowlers did well by bowling out the Islanders for just 201. However, the batsmen failed to complement the effort. Chasing a revised total of 187 from 41 overs, Afghanistan fell like a pack of cards.

They slipped to 57/5 in their chase before a partnership of 64 by Najibullah Zadran and captain Gulbadin Naib gave them hope. However,  Nuwan Pradeep returned and took two quick wickets before Najibullah was run out by Dimuth Karunaratne for 43. Sri Lanka eventually bowled out Afghanistan for 153.

How’s the weather expected to be:

The rain could play spoilsport in the game as the chances are high. According to AccuWeather, there is 47 per cent chances of rain at the start of the game. The threat will remain throughout the first innings but the second innings is unlikely to experience any rain. The temperature will be around 15 degree Celsius at the start and will drop down by 2-3 degree as the game wears on.