Afghanistan's 69-run win over England in match 13 of the ICC Cricket World Cup wasn't just a mere 'upset'. It was filled with passion, commitment, team contributions and other factors that helped contribute to a comprehensive win over Jos Buttler's men. Hashmatullah Shahidi's side were thumped on the very same ground by India but that did not kill their spirits. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were the key factors in demolishing England at Delhi and they look to rewind the same tape against the Black Caps in Chennai. (Scorecard | NZ Vs AFG Preview | Full Coverage)
New Zealand have lost their regular skipper Kane Williamson due to a thumb injury but the Kiwis, as witnessed in their previous matches, are unlikely to feel his absence. The likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and others have been in exemplary form in this tournament so far.
That said, New Zealand would be wary of the spirited Afghans. Also, the Chepauk pitch is known to assist the spinners. In Rashid and Mujeeb, the Afghans have world-class spinners.
Here are the three battles from the New Zealand vs Afghanistan contest at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023:
Devon Conway vs Rashid Khan
What a battle we await at Chepauk - New Zealand batter Devon Conway is one of the leading scorer at the Cricket World Cup 2023 with 229 runs in three games. Conway's strike is 104.09 and that includes a match-winning 152 against England in the opening match. The opening batter is a fast starter at the top of the order and is known to give fast starts for his side that sets the team's innings in motion. However, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan is coming on the back of a spellbinding performance against the English. He scalped 3/37 as Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs and would look to continue their ominous form against the Black Caps. The spinner has five wickets so far in the tourney but with an improving performance in their previous game, his duel with Conway would be one to watch for in this game.
Matt Henry Vs Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Another Kiwi that has had a splendid ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 so far is none other than pacer Matt Henry. The bowler has scalped 8 wickets at an average 18.25 in three games so far and his fiery pace could leave any opposition bowler feeling the heat. But there's one batter who would take on Henry's pace face down is none other than Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The opening batter has been supreme form in this marquee tournament despite his side's poor form pre-England win. Gurbaz has amassed 148 runs in three matches that includes a blistering 80 against England. His fiery start at the top of the order has given Afghanistan a sense of belief that they could make a match out of it. His duel with Henry could be a tasty one, given Gurbaz loves to middle it when at the crease.
Daryl Mitchell Vs Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman contributed with the bat as well as the ball in his side's 69-run win against England and was handsomely rewarded for the victory, as he took home the Player Of The Match. The pitch conditions at Chepauk in Chennai would suit Mujeeb as it is known to be quite familiar with spinners. But Kiwi's Daryl Mitchell is one fiery bloke that could take the game out of the opposition's hands. His middle-order blitzkrieg could give any bowler nightmares and the versatile player, is also a handy bowler when required. Mitchell would fancy his chances against Mujeeb but with the latter coming in prime form, expect this duel to be one to watch out for.
