NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction for T20 World Cup 2021: Playing XI, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Team, Weather Updates and Pitch Report

Preview for NZ vs AFG Dream11 Contest: New Zealand and Afghanistan will lock horns for arguably the most anticipated and important game of the Super 12 stage at this year’s T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 7) in Abu Dhabi. The two countries will be up against for a must-win fixture, which India will also […]
 

Preview for NZ vs AFG Dream11 Contest:

New Zealand and Afghanistan will lock horns for arguably the most anticipated and important game of the Super 12 stage at this year’s T20 World Cup on Sunday (November 7) in Abu Dhabi.

The two countries will be up against for a must-win fixture, which India will also be watching keenly. The context is reflected on the points table.

As it stands, New Zealand are placed above India and Afghanistan with 6 points and a NRR of +1.277. If the Kiwis win, they are through to the semis with table toppers Pakistan.

But if they lose narrowly, it is India (4 points, NRR +1.619) who will pip them, and Afghanistan (4 points, NRR +1.481), towards the knock-outs. For Afghanistan to go through, they not only have to defeat New Zealand but by such a margin that their NRR can’t be downsized by the Indians, even if they win big in their final game on Monday (November 8) against Namibia.

There is a whole lot to play for in this fixture, thus making it possibly the most viewed game of the tournament.

Probable Playing XI

New Zealand – Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

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

Weather Update: Sunny; 33 degrees C; 9km/h

Pitch Report: In contrasting nature with the old, dryish strip, the new surface at Abu Dhabi has aided good stroke-making with the ball coming on nicely to the bat. With that in mind, this could be another relatively high-scoring fixture with no excessive advantage to the side batting second, especially this being an afternoon game.

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Can Afghanistan pull off an unexpected triumph in the NZ vs AFG must-win encounter?

In simpler terms, it all hinges on how New Zealand bat against Afghanistan spinners. For that would decide whether Afghanistan’s pace attack is in play or not, and whether their adventurous but high-risk batting side is having to do the heavy loading or not? That being known, Afghanistan desperately need Mujeeb Ur Rahman to return from his injury and reunite the trio of Rashid-Mujeeb-Nabi. Or else, New Zealand will dominate this one. They are anyways massive favourites to win here and seal a semi-final berth.

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Captaincy Picks

1. Rashid Khan (9.5 credits)

It shows Afghanistan’s dependence on Rashid Khan that the day he had an indifferent outing against India, they never quite managed to keep the run-scoring in check. Rashid may have not gone at his best on the night but has been terrific in the overall tournament. His 7 wickets from 4 games have come at a cost of only 5.93 runs per over. Rashid is, as always, a fruitful captaincy pick.

2. Trent Boult (9.5 credits)

Boult’s left-arm angle and the ability to move the new ball both ways makes him a lethal prospect for the Afghan batters. He is also in very good form and rhythm since the start of the Super 12s, picking 8 wickets from his 4 outings at an economy rate of just 6.25.

3. Martin Guptill (9.5 credits)

Guptill had a slow start to the event but came roaring back with a 90 odd against Scotland. He was also looking in strong rhythm at the crease before his premature dismissal against Namibia last game. Guptill, if he gets going again, could be another rewarding captaincy pick at the top of the order.

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Budget Picks

1. Hamid Hassan (8.5 credits)

Hamid has shown that age and injuries can’t diminish his hunger and desire to do well for Afghanistan. The experienced seamer continues to run in hard with ball in hand. He has picked up 3 wickets from his 2 outings with an economy rate of only 5.37.

2. Glenn Phillips (8.5 credits)

Phillips’ end-overs assault against hapless Namibia displayed what a dangerous striker of the cricket ball he can be on his day. The aggressive right-hand batter bludgeoned 39 off 21 balls in his unbeaten knock, featuring three sixes.

3. Mitchell Santner (8.5 credits)

Santner is New Zealand’s four-over bank on most days. The left-arm spinner has been extremely miserly in the last four games for his team, going for only 5.68 runs per over with 2 scalps. Santner’s control and consistency make him a very difficult bowler to get away.

Mega League Team for NZ vs AFG Dream11 Contest

Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Martin Guptill (c), Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Mohammad Nabi, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Hamid Hassan, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan (vc)

Small/Head to Head Team for NZ vs AFG Dream11 Contest

Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Najibullah Zadran, Glenn Phillips, Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner, Hamid Hassan, Trent Boult (vc), Rashid Khan (c)