Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar believes Afghanistan has a chance to beat New Zealand in their final T20 World Cup 2021 Super 12 match on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
The confrontation between Afghanistan and New Zealand, on the other hand, will have a significant impact on India’s fortunes. If the Kiwis win, India will be eliminated from the semi-finals. As a result, if Afghanistan defeats New Zealand on Sunday and India defeats Namibia on Monday, all three teams (New Zealand, India, and Afghanistan) will end with six points. In the semi-finals, the team with the highest net run rate progresses.
“Afghanistan have a chance to beat New Zealand. They have talented players and good bowlers. It’s an afternoon game so the spin bowlers might get some help. Also, New Zealand’s batting is not looking all that strong. They have come out of difficult situations to win their last two games. So if Afghanistan bowl well, they can trouble New Zealand.” he said
Afghanistan (and India!) are keeping a tight eye on off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s fitness after he has missed the team’s last two games. The 20-year-old took 5 for 20 against Scotland and 1 for 14 against Pakistan before being injured.
While India hopes that Afghanistan defeats New Zealand to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, Afghanistan itself may have a chance to finish in the top two spots in Group 2. However, they would have to overcome New Zealand by a large margin to do this. Ajit Agarkar
India’s net run rate improved dramatically after their thrashing of Scotland on Friday. They now outperform both New Zealand and Afghanistan in terms of run rate.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s leg-spinner, described the match against New Zealand as “nothing short of a quarter-final” during a news conference a few days ago.
“That (New Zealand match) could be a quarterfinal for us, as well. If we win, we know we have a good run rate so we could be the team to be in the semi-finals. So just to go out there, enjoy your skills, enjoy your cricket. As long as you are enjoying, I think there is (are) more chances you could perform.” He said
Rashid had a bad game against India in Afghanistan’s previous encounter. In his four overs, he gave up 36 runs without taking a wicket.
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