NZ vs AFG: Daryl Mitchell To Return As New Zealand Get Ready For Afghanistan Clash

Daryl Mitchell will make a return to the T20 World Cup team, while New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is confident in the condition of his fast bowlers. 

On the eve of their match against Afghanistan, pitcher Trent Boult verified that hitter Daryl Mitchell had trained in the previous few days and stated his old Northern Districts teammate had “commitment” and “hunger to get out there.” 

The Black Caps will face Afghanistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, hoping to build on their opening-round victory against hosts Australia in Sydney on Saturday. 

Daryl Mitchell To Possibly Replace Mark Chapman In Playing 11: Gary Stead

Mitchell was forced to miss the match as well as the tri-series against Bangladesh and Pakistan in Christchurch that preceded the event due to a pinky finger break in training. 

Coach Gary Stead stated on October 10 that Mitchell will return for the Afghanistan match, and if he does, he will replace Mark Chapman in the middle order. 

Mitchell was a major role for the Black Caps during their journey to the T20 World Cup final in the United Arab Emirates last year, which they lost against Australia. He scored 49 off 35 balls in the group stage as they defeated India, then went on to score an undefeated 72 off 47 balls as they defeated England in the semifinals. 

His comeback would strengthen New Zealand’s middle order as it prepares to play Afghanistan for the first time in T20 international cricket. Their lone prior meeting was in the World Cup last year, when New Zealand triumphed by eight wickets with 11 balls to spare. 

Strong Start By New Zealand

Despite without a first-choice batter, the Black Caps made a strong start to their World Cup campaign against Australia. 

Devon Conway hit an unbeaten 92 off 58 balls as Sydney Cricket Ground achieved 200-3, with fellow opener Finn Allen hitting 42 off 16 balls and Jimmy Neesham adding an unbeaten 26 off 13 at the finish. 

Australia were subsequently removed for 111, giving the Black Caps a shock victory that they will now want to build on. 

Also Read:IND vs PAK: ‘Virat Kohli’s Performance Like This Can Win Them The World Cup’- Inzamam-ul-Haq