T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest XI of New Zealand against Afghanistan

New Zealand is all set to face Afghanistan in the last match of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021. The Blackcaps have played four matches so far and have managed to win three of them. Given how they have gone about their business, a win against the Afghans will secure their place in the semi-finals. 

The equation for Afghanistan and India is a bit complicated but for the Blackcaps, it remains as simple as anything, win and qualify for the semi-finals. They have a team which has managed to overcome hiccups against Namibia and Scotland. Now, against Afghanistan, they will face a tougher challenge.

For this game, here is the predicted XI of New Zealand: 

Openers (Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell) 

The opening combination of Martin Guptill works on paper. However, both the batters have their limitations while playing in the UAE conditions. Despite having a good score of 93 runs against Scotland, Guptill has been otherwise underwhelming and has not managed to improve his record in Asia. Against Afghanistan, he might face some challenges but a big knock would be just what he needs. 

Daryl Mitchell has scored more than 100 runs in this tournament and his best knock came against India in Dubai, where he scored 49 runs. In the other games, he got starts but failed to continue and get a big score. It should be noted that he is a dynamic batter and could get a big score in this game, if his weaknesses are not exploited. 

Middle order (Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips)

The skipper Kane Williamson has got some important runs in this tournament so far, but he could be a little worried with his strike rate. He hasn’t got off the blocks, despite compiling 86 runs in total in the four knocks. Then, there is Devon Conway, who without a doubt has faced a little issue adjusting to the pitches in the UAE. 

Conway, who has also taken wicket keeping duties for this tournament, would be quite important in this match, because he can play spin well in the middle overs. Glenn Phillips batted well in the previous match. In fact, his knock of 39 runs from 21 balls was the exact boost which his team needed to get a good score. A similar role would be expected out of him in this game as well. 

All-rounders (James Neesham and Mitchell Santner)

Neesham was meticulously used in the first few matches. In fact, he didn’t play much of a part in those games. However, his experience and expertise were put to use properly in the last match. He scored a vital 35 runs from 23 balls at the back end of the innings and then bowled one over where he got a wicket as well. 

Mitchell Santner’s role has been quite controlled as well. He has bowled some really good overs in this tournament. The left-arm spinner has not always got success in terms of wickets, but his role has been to keep things tight. His economy in this tournament has been 5.68. 

Bowlers (Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi)

Adam Milne has played three matches so far. It will be harsh but the truth is that he is possibly the weaker link in the pace-bowling attack of New Zealand. He has picked up only one wicket and hasn’t been as impressive as Boult and Southee. Nevertheless, he will definitely retain his spot in the team. Southee wasn’t a first-choice going into this tournament but his experience has proven the exact thing which the Kiwi attack needed on these pitches.

He has picked up five wickets with an economy of 5.62. On the other hand, there is Boult, who has eight scalps with an economy of 6.25. There is a bit of injury cloud over Ish Sodhi, but it doesn’t seem it could hamper his chances of playing. NZ have Todd Astle waiting as a ‘like for like’ replacement. But, Sodhi’s form could be crucial as he has picked up seven wickets in four matches.