13th Match - New Zealand v Afghanistan

[James]

New Zealand v Afghanistan
8th June
County Ground, Taunton

 

[Andy1993]

New Zealand comfortably

 

[thundaboult]

Pitch has been said to be spin-friendly. Really need everyone except taylor to apply themselves this time. If afg even post 200-250, the spin barrage will make it tough. We all know what rashid is capable of, nabi has already got wickets as well. Mujeeb could come to the party as well. Don't want a repeat of the u19 world cup nz vs afg match.

 

[Burgey]

NZ by 186 runs

 

[Moss]

This is the one venue where you'd give serious consideration to playing the extra spinner. From NZ's POV:
1) Do you change a winning combination and bring in Sodhi?
2) If yes, do you bring him in for one of the seamers (Henry/Ferguson) or for de Grandhomme, thereby lengthening the tail and sacrificing a bit of control with the ball? I'm leaning towards the latter given CdG isn't that likely to come good with the bat vs Rashid Khan and co.

Looking at how Afghanistan have batted in their first two games, the gulf in batting quality itself should decide the game but can see their spinners enjoying themselves big time. Should be a very engaging game at the least.

 

[CricAddict]

The one game changer with the bat for Afghans, Shahzad, is out of the tournament. They stand no chance now. To be absolutely smashed by the Kiwis in this game by 200 runs or 10 wickets.

 

[Hicheal Michael]

Sodhi's in pretty good form with the bat atm. I would play him.

 

[mr_mister]

This is the one venue where you'd give serious consideration to playing the extra spinner. From NZ's POV:
1) Do you change a winning combination and bring in Sodhi?
2) If yes, do you bring him in for one of the seamers (Henry/Ferguson) or for de Grandhomme, thereby lengthening the tail and sacrificing a bit of control with the ball? I'm leaning towards the latter given CdG isn't that likely to come good with the bat vs Rashid Khan and co.

Looking at how Afghanistan have batted in their first two games, the gulf in batting quality itself should decide the game but can see their spinners enjoying themselves big time. Should be a very engaging game at the least.

Hazratullah can honestly do Shahzads job. Both complete agricultural sloggers


Edit - meant to quote cricaddict

 

[Flem274*]

i am taking having our most likely to be dropped bowler averaging 25 as a good sign rather than ignoring pre-world cup form in favour of career record.

 

[Moss]

Looks like Afghanistan have had to shuffle things around in Shahzad's absence. No Mujeeb and Dawlat in the lineup. I think Boult and Henry would fancy doing some real damage early on. Those first ten overs will probably be the difference between falling in a heap or putting together something for Rashid and co to bowl at. KW vs Rashid should be particularly interesting given they've played a lot together in the IPL.

 

[straw man]

Interesting first over - Henry under pressure almost for the first time in the tournament. Would be a little nervousness if Afghanistan can post a decent score. Wickets pls.

 

[Zinzan]

Seems like a poor decision to bowl in a number of respects, not least that the Afghans best chance of winning is runs on the board, hope it slows a little and bring their spinners into play.

More importantly, we'll have to bat first at some point. We've bowled in every match so far, including the warm-ups.

 

[ajdude]

hazratullah is the greatest cricketer of all time

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Surprised they kept Henry on for this over, definitely not working for him atm.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

ffs bring fergie on early to this hack

 

[Zinzan]

This is always going to be the problem for Matt Henry, if Plan A does work, he goes to Plan A.

 

[Moss]

Neesham brought in and promptly breaks through. You know this is going to be an interesting day.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

yeah slightly telling that kane wasn't willing to try anything different earlier

yess ferg

 

[ajdude]

ffs this match is ruined now

 

[trundler]

Excellent stats paddin' from Neesh