ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand's strongest predicted playing XI against Afghanistan

Game 16 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between New Zealand (NZ) and Afghanistan (AFG) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, October 18. New Zealand are currently unbeaten in the competition; having played three games so far, the Black Caps will be keen on continuing their unbeaten run.

It could be interesting to see what lineup the side could field against Afghanistan, with a few notable exclusions due to injury.

Here's New Zealand's Predicted XI against Afghanistan:

Openers: Devon Conway, Will Young

Opening the innings, ace batter Devon Conway will look to centre stage. It is worth noting that Conway has been in sensational form as of late, scoring the first century of the tournament. The opener made his plans clear from the very start. His knock could prove to be key against Afghanistan.

Will Young could once again feature for the Black Caps as skipper Kane Williamson injured himself in the side’s previous game. With 70 runs in two games, Young will be keen on further improving his performances.

Middle Order: Tom Latham (c, wk), Glenn Phillips

The middle order will be handled by skipper and wicketkeeper Tom Latham. Standing in as the leader in the absence of Kane Williamson, Latham did a commendable job in the first two games of the competition. Scoring 53 runs in one innings, Latham will be keen on piling on even more runs against Afghanistan.

Another batter to strengthen the middle order would be Glenn Phillips. Having scored 20 runs in two innings, Phillips has been unable to get off the mark properly in the competition yet, and he will look to heavily improve when the Black Caps take centre stage against Afghanistan.

All-rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman

One of the most in-form players in the side currently, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, will be keen on putting in an exceptional showing for the Black Caps and aim to keep their winning run alive. With 183 runs and two wickets in three matches, Ravindra has been exceptional for his side, and it could be interesting to see how he performs against Afghanistan.

All-rounder Mark Chapman will be another player who will be keen on being efficient with both the bat and the ball. With five runs in one inning, Chapman has not quite gotten the chance to showcase his skills yet. The 29-year-old will hope that the case will not be the same against Afghanistan.

The experienced Daryl Mitchell will complete New Zealand’s all-round lineup. With 137 runs in two innings, Mitchell has been in sensational form as well. New Zealand will be depending on his services with both the bat and the ball.

Also check: Most runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult

The bowling attack is where New Zealand will really look to shine. Mitchell Santner could provide some much-needed stability with the spin. Being in exceptional form, Santner has taken eight wickets in three matches and is one of the best performers. His spell could be one to keep an eye on.

Matt Henry will be yet another option for the Black Caps, as he will look to provide the side with quick breakthroughs. Taking eight wickets in three matches at the ODI World Cup 2023, Henry is also one of the most in-form players of the side and could pose some serious problems for Afghanistan. 

Possessing sheer pace Lockie Ferguson will look to take some quick wickets and be a big threat to Afghanistan. With three wickets in two innings, Ferguson will be keen on keeping his form in the next game as well. 

Trent Boult needs no introduction. Being one of the best bowlers in world cricket, his repertoire with the ball is something that Afghanistan will not be taking lightly. With three wickets in three games, Boult will now look to put his foot on the pedal when he faced Afghanistan. 

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand predicted XI:

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c, wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult