The New Zealand vs Afghanistan may turn out to be the most watched non-Indian game of the tournament as the fate of Virat Kohli-led side staying in the tournament depends on the result. Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan will have support of 135 crore Indians as they walk into the field to upset the BlackCaps which will open the way for India's qualification in the semi-final. Afghanistan will have the element of surprise working in their favour as the two sides have not faced each other in the format.
Mujeeb's fitness
From Ravichandran Ashwin to Sunil Gavaskar to many current and former cricketers will be hoping that Afghanistan's mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman gets fit for the game against New Zealand. While teammate Hashmatullah Shahidi was not sure whether the spinner will be fit for the big game, the young Afghan posted a video of himself working out on the gym indicating that he is recovering well.
The 20-year-old has been in incredible form so far taking six wickets from two games including a fifer against Scotland. Against Pakistan, he took just one wicket but gave just 14 runs from his four overs. New Zealand batters will have to take chances against the spinners if Mujeeb and Rashid Khan bowl in tandem. If Mujeeb does not take the field, they may take a cautious approach against Rashid to keep their wickets intact and attack the fast bowlers.
Guptill holds the key against spinners
In the tournament so far, Martin Guptill is the only batter who has not been dismissed by spinners. Guptill has a strike rate of 134.09 against spin. Skipper Williamson, Glenn Phillips and James Neesham have been ordinary against the spinners which is a worrying sign for Kiwis going into the game.
Afghanistan batting
Afghanistan are a potent bowling side. It is their batting that disappoints them in big matches. It was the same story against India and Pakistan where they failed to post a winning total. In Abu Dhabi if they bat first and post a total in excess of 150, they will have a better chances of beating the Kiwi side. On the other hand, if they are chasing, they need to restrict New Zealand under 140 to have a chance of winning the match.
Nabi's side will also back themselves to win big against New Zealand because just a win will not guarantee them a spot in the semi-final. Again, their explosive opener Hazratullah Zazai will be the key to posting a good total. Zazai is a good batter against fast bowling. If the southpaw gets going, it will be a massive boost for Afghanistan's chances.
Death overs concern
In New Zealand's last two games, they have been troubled by oppositions like Scotland and Namibia. At halfway mark in their innings, it looked like they will post a below par total but they accelerate well in death overs and get to a respectable total for their bowlers to defend. Afghanistan need to be vary of their death overs bowling. Their fast bowlers have also taken a beating in the final overs whether it was against India where the score went past 200 or against Pakistan where Asif Ali took the game way from their in the penultimate over.
