ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan vs New Zealand - Match Prediction

Afghanistan and New Zealand will take on each other in the 13th match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 at Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. New Zealand has had a perfect start to the World Cup as they have won both their matches in the ODI showpiece. The Kiwis have checked the right boxes in their first two matches and would like to continue their good form going. We take a look at Match Prediction.

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New Zealand had convincingly won their first match against Sri Lanka. However, the Kiwis will aim to get more consistent with their middle order. They should have finished the match against Bangladesh easily, however, they had nervous moments in the fag end of the match when they lost four wickets quickly.

New Zealand will have its wood-on Afghanistan.

On the other hand, Afghanistan has disappointed with their batting performance. They had Sri Lanka on the ropes when they skittled them for a paltry score of 201 runs. Mohammed Nabi had scalped four wickets and had bowled wicket to wicket to trouble the Sri Lankan batters.

However, Afghanistan’s batting had once again let them down. In fact, their batsmen will need to play with more responsibility. The batters are going for more aggressive shots early on in their innings and the team management would need to have a word with their batsmen. Moreover, Afghanistan’s woes have manifolded as their wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad has been ruled out with knee injury.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s bowling has been right on the money. Matt Henry had once again bowled with fire and has scalped seven wickets in the tournament. Furthermore, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson have hit the straps with their accurate bowling.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Match Preview, Predicted XI, Pitch, Weather, Stats

Match Prediction: There is no iota of doubt that New Zealand will begin the contest as red hot favourites. However, Afghanistan has the skills to surprise them. But the Afghan team will need to pull up their game especially in the batting department.