New Zealand are one of the two teams in the tournament that have not yet lost a match so far. They are at number 2 on the points table (after India) with 3 wins in 3 matches and a net run rate (NRR) of +1.604. On the other hand, Afghanistan are coming to this match with a massive win against England.

Yet winning and losing is highly unpredictable!

As per CricTracker, the toss will be critical as whoever bowls first will win the match. Yes, it gives due credit to Afghan batters’ ability to chase and win it for their team.

Khel Now believes New Zealand will secure a “hard-fought win". With Kane Williamson out of the tournament due to a thumb fracture, we believe the Black Caps may struggle against the confident Afghanistan team. Therefore, we are expecting another upset, giving an advantage to Afghanistan.

New Zealand have played 2 ODIs so far against Afghanistan, and both games took place in past World Cups. in 2019, the Kiwis defeated the Afghans by 7 wickets whereas they 6 wickets in 2015. However, they will face a completely-different Afghan side this year. The team led by Hashmatullah Shahidi has many star players this time, including Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.