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Team India did the work of two matches in just one by beating Scotland by an unreal margin of eight wickets chasing down the total in just 39 deliveries. Now, all eyes will be on the Afghanistan vs New Zealand match on November 7. It will be a virtual quarter-final for the Kiwis as a win will guarantee their place in the semi-final whereas a loss will eliminate them. The situation is not the same for Afghanistan as they will not be able to cement their semi-final berth with just a win.
After the Scotland win, India have a net run rate (NRR) of +1.619, the highest in Group 2. Afghanistan have a NRR of 1.481 after their massive loss to India. They will not only need to beat the Kiwis but by a good margin so that India do not play catch-up with their NRR. On the other hand, New Zealand have a NRR of +1.277. A loss against Mohammad Nabi’s side and Kiwis will find themselves booking a place on the next flight home.
If unpredictable Afghanistan manage to outclass Kiwis by a slight margin, India will just need to beat Namibia in their last match in group stage on November 8 to reach the semi-final. Even if somehow Afghanistan register a big win over the BlackCaps, India will know the equation of reaching the final beforehand to plan for the match.
How Afghanistan can dominate
Afghanistan’s strong suit is there spin bowling. If Mujeeb ur Rahman recovers in time for the match, him bowling in tandem with leg-spinner Rashid Khan will be a tough challenge for the Kiwis. It is Afghanistan’s batting that needs to be better. Against Namibia, New Zealand were struggling to score in the middle overs. It was only in death overs they broke free and posted a fighting total. In short, if Afghanistan chase, they will need to get Kiwis out for less than 140. If Nabi wins the toss or Williamson asks them to bat first, any total in excess of 150 will stack numbers in their favour.
