Today's 40th match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 will be played between New Zealand and Afghanistan. Both the teams will face off at 3.30 pm at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This match is very important for both the teams; especially for New Zealand, for whom a win will seal a last-four berth.
On the other hand, if the Afghanistan team wins the match, then there will be a possibility of a big upset in Group-2. In fact, if the Afghanistan team is successful in defeating New Zealand, then India will have a chance to reach the semi-finals, while it may be difficult for the New Zealand team.
Playing XI
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad(w), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi(c), Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad(w), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi(c), Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Based on current performances and past record at the venue, Indiatvnews.com has picked the best possible combination for your Dream11. Do take a look.
Dream XI: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Hazratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan.
Batters (Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Hazratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran)
A total of four batsmen have been included in the Dream XI team for this match. In this, two are from New Zealand and two are from Afghanistan cricket team. The first name that comes in this list is Martin Guptill. Guptill has been performing brilliantly for New Zealand throughout this tournament.
Apart from Guptill, Kane Williamson has also contributed significantly in batting for the team. Apart from this, Nanjibullah Zadran and Hazratullah Zazai from the Afghanistan cricket team can be included in the team given their explosive intent top of the order either providing a good start or backfires.
Wicket-keeper (Mohammad Shahzad)
Although there were three options in the team of Dream XI in this match, the most likely to bet on Mohammad Shahzad of Afghanistan. Shahzad is known for his explosive batting. In such a situation, he has the ability to get a lot of points from his game given the venue has been the most batting friendly among the lot.
All-Rounder (Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib)
In the list of all-rounders, it will be wise to keep two of the best players from Afghanistan in this team of Dream XI. The first name in this comes from the captain of the team, Mohammad Nabi, who has often come to the rescue of the team with the bat/ The other player will be Gulbadin Naib, who is scoring runs off late while picking wickets as well.
Bowler (Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Rashid Khan)
Bowling has many options in today's match but the players who are most likely to take wickets are Trent Boult and Tim Southee of New Zealand. At the same time, Ish Sodhi, who performed well in the last match, can show his amazing again. Apart from this, Rashid of Afghanistan can also be seen in this team.
Pitch report
The wicket is going to be slow, it's the same pitch that was used yesterday for Australia vs West Indies. It has a few cracks, so batting might be challenging. The third match to be played on this track.
