NEW DELHI: Last edition runners-up New Zealand face an upbeat Afghanistan in the 16th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.
Afghanistan go into the game having lost both their previous ODIs against New Zealand, at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups by six and seven wickets respectively.
Afghanistan are coming off a huge upset against defending champions England whom they beat by 69 runs in Delhi on Sunday, as Afghanistan snapped a 14-match World Cup losing streak.
Afghanistan had lost both their opening games at the tournament before they stunned England, ending a 14-match World Cup losing streak stretching back to their 2015 debut.
New Zealand won their last match against Bangladesh by 8 wickets in Chennai on Friday.
Afghanistan would again be looking at their spinners to spin a web for Kiwis in Chennai.
On a spin-friendly pitch at Chepauk, Afghanistan, who are likely to thrive on turning tracks, have a potential trump card amongst them - leggie Rashid Khan. Rashid is someone who knows the Indian conditions like the back of his hand, thanks to his IPL stints.
New Zealand have been in fine form, winning three matches in a row.
The Black Caps will once again be without regular skipper Kane Williamson, who has a fractured thumb and stand-in captain Tom Latham will take over the reins.
New Zealand are at the fifth spot in the ICC ODI ranking while Afghanistan are ninth.
The Chepauk pitch is expected to help batsmen as was evident from the previous game where the Kiwis chased 245 against Bangladesh.
The hot and humid weather will be a challenge for the players with the evening providing no relief.
