A lot will hinge on how the New Zealand versus Afghanistan game pans out as far as the semi-final qualification scenario for Group 2 is concerned. While Pakistan are already through, a win for New Zealand will confirm their spot as well in the knockouts.
However, in case Afghanistan defeat the Kiwis on Sunday and India beat Namibia on Monday, it will all come down to the run rate of the teams. As Afghanistan, India and New Zealand would all finish on six points, the team with the best run rate will progress to the semi-finals.
Previewing the New Zealand-Afghanistan clash on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated that, being a day game, Afghanistan have a slight advantage. He commented:
The Indian offie pointed out that New Zealand’s batting has stumbled a bit in recent games, which will also give the Afghanistan bowlers some confidence. Ashwin added:
While Afghanistan went down to India by 66 runs in their previous Super 12 encounter, New Zealand recovered from a batting wobble to get the better of Namibia by 52 runs.
“New Zealand’s greatest strength is their planning” - Ravichandran Ashwin on the challenge for Afghanistan
Speaking about New Zealand, Ashwin pointed out that the Kiwis are meticulous in their planning and will be up against a talented but raw Afghanistan side. According to the 35-year-old, the match could be decided on the basis of the plans Kiwis have to tackle Afghanistan’s talent, especially their spinners.
Predicting that Afghanistan off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is likely to play against New Zealand, Ashwin said:
The Afghanistan-New Zealand clash is like a double-edged sword for India. They want Afghanistan to defeat the Kiwis but not by a comprehensive margin because that would make the run rate scenario tougher for India.
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