T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand vs Afghanistan Is Going To Be Watched By Millions – Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has opined that the New Zealand vs Afghanistan Super 12 clash, which will be played today in Abu Dhabi, will be watched by millions of people.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan clash holds significant importance for the semi-finals qualification scenario. It will be the most important game for the Indian fans as the semi-finals qualification hopes of India depend on Afghanistan’s performance.

If Mohammad Nabi and his men somehow are going to manage to defeat New Zealand, India will have an opportunity to make it to the semi-finals. However, if the Blackcaps win, India will be instantly eliminated.

Speaking to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar said: “I won’t be surprised at all. Everybody knows that how crucial his match is for India’s qualification. It is going to be watched by millions, perhaps even greater than the India-Pakistan game.”

Gavaskar further added that the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand vs Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan battle might become the most-watched game of the World Cup.

“For the simple reason that most people in the subcontinent will be watching. People in Afghanistan will be watching. They all know India’s chances of qualifying depends on this game. So I won’t be surprised if it’s the most-watched game in the World Cup maybe apart from India-Pakistan and the final,” he elaborated.

New Zealand Have Shown Us They Can Cope With Pressure Very Well – Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain further added that both Afghanistan and New Zealand will have a lot of pressure on them considering India’s superior net run rate. However, he also said that New Zealand are a better team when it comes to handling the pressure situation properly.

“How they cope with pressure is going to be key. In recent times, New Zealand have shown us they can cope with pressure very well. We saw that in the World Cup finals, they had a bit of bad luck.

“In the World Test Championships final as well, they kept their cool. Clearly, Kane Williamson’s leadership is going to be the key. If he can hold the innings together, then New Zealand will give themselves a fair chance,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

Notably, three teams, England, Australia and Pakistan, have already qualified for the semi-finals, and there is only one spot remaining.

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