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We could witness the most-watched game in this World Cup as New Zealand face Afghanistan to seal the deal and ensure their place in the semi-finals.

In Group 2, Pakistan are assured a place in the semi-finals, while India, Afghanistan, and New Zealand are yet to confirm their place. Just to remind you, both India and Afghanistan are in a similar position and need a win to stand a chance to make it into the final four.

However, for the Kiwis, a win by any margin would result in their qualification, knocking out both India and Afghanistan.

Every Indian cricket fan in the world will be stuck in front of the television as we approach an enthralling end to the Group 2 games.

What do you think? Will Afghanistan win and create a pathway for themselves and India to qualify? Or will the Kiwis kill the drama and make it to the semi-finals with ease?

Match Toss Time: 13:30 Local  (15:00 IST)

Match Start Time: 14:00 Local (15:30 IST)

Match Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Head to Head

#This will be the first T20I encounter between Afghanistan vs New Zealand.

Weather Conditions and Pitch

NZ vs AFG weather and pitch

Team News

For the Kiwis, they are likely to play the same 11. The role of Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson in the side would be instrumental as to how New Zealand fare in the game. Daryl Mitchell will also be key.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman's fitness is the biggest and their most important concern. It is still being said that he would be deemed fit for the clash. Remember, if Afghanistan wins the match with a decent enough margin, they have a very good chance to qualify for their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Probable Playing XI

New Zealand (NZ): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson ©, Jimmy Neesham, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (WK), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee

Afghanistan (AFG): Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf/Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan

Must Picks 

As mentioned, Martin Guptill and  Mujeeb Ur Rahman are must-picks. Mohammad Nabi has been brilliant in the bowling and batting department and that makes his presence very important too.

In the bowlers, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, and all-rounders, Gulbadin Naib is also a must-pick. 

NZ vs AFG Fantasy Team 

NZ vs AFG Fantasy Team
Cricwizz fantasy team

Captain and Vice-captain Picks 

Mohammad Nabi Martin Guptill NZ vs AFG fantasy
Mohammad Nabi (C) and Martin Guptill (Vc)

Prediction

This match could be a tricky affair. However, New Zealand's shaky batting at times could cause them trouble. However, their bowling compensates for it on most occasions; they wouldn't want to risk their chances.

For Afghanistan, things were going well apart from small moments that went against them. However, their last game against India showed their worst side and they would want to start with keeping their strengths intact.

Cricwizz predicts New Zealand to win against Afghanistan and qualify for the semi-finals.

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