Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said the Kiwis, despite being the second-ranked team in Group 2, aren’t a “gun T20 side” and lack the required batting firepower. He remarked that if they proceed to the semi-finals, England (the first semi-finalists from Group 1) will “chew them raw”.
Aakash Chopra said:
Aakash Chopra, however, added that New Zealand are still better placed than Afghanistan to win today. He suggested that Kane Williamson and co., being free of net run rate pressure, would play in their typically disciplined fashion. The former opener also explained why the Kiwi skipper will be under “massive pressure”.
Aakash Chopra added:
Williamson is by far New Zealand’s best player of spin. In conditions such as those in the UAE, the Kiwi batting lineup revolves around him.
The batters on either side are adaptive, but lack the ability to single-handedly win games. The result of today’s match will thus be decided on how Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi tackle the opposition skipper.
Aakash Chopra analyzes New Zealand’s bowling attack
Aakash Chopra also scrutinized the New Zealand bowling lineup. He talked about how spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi combined with the three pacers - Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Adam Milne - would be a potent force.
Aakash Chopra concluded by saying:
New Zealand is currently sitting on three wins from their four games in the tournament. This means if they win this match, they’ll proceed to the semi-finals.
However, a historic win by underdogs Afghanistan will also bring India into contention as then the three sides will likely end up with equal points. The qualified team will be the one with the best net run rate after the final league stage match between India and Namibia on Monday.
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