New Zealand v Afghanistan ICC World Cup preview & tips | 18/10/23

New Zealand vs Afghanistan best bets – Cricket World Cup 2023

New Zealand vs Afghanistan match preview – 2023 Cricket World Cup

On Wednesday night, the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 continues, as the in-form New Zealand take on Afghanistan in Chennai.

New Zealand Team News

Facing off against Bangladesh in their previous match, the Black Caps continued their good form, winning by 8 wickets in a strong batting and bowling performance. Keeping Bangladesh to just 248 in the first innings, it was fast bowler Lochie Ferguson who stood out as he took 3-49. With the bat, it was opener Devon Conway who got New Zealand off to a good start with 45, before Kane Williamson (78*) and Daryl Mitchell (89*) chased down the total in just 42.5 overs.

However, in concerning scenes, Williamson has now been ruled out of the World Cup due to a thumb injury he sustained from a stray throw. As a result, expect Will Young to return to side at the top of the order, with Rachin Ravindra sliding down to number three.

Afghanistan Team News

Producing one of the biggest upsets ever at a World Cup, Afghanistan defeated defending champions England by 69 runs on Sunday night. Batting first, Afghanistan put together a solid score of 284, led by fifties from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80) and Ikram Alikhil (58). With the ball, it was the spinners who did the damage, taking eight of the ten wickets as they never let the batsmen settle.

In their first win of the World Cup, Afghanistan will now have the belief that they can beat anyone. In conditions that favour their spin bowling attack, look for them to trouble plenty of teams going forward.

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New Zealand vs Afghanistan betting tips – ODI World Cup 2023

Match Winner

Despite the heroics from Afghanistan on Sunday, it is hard to look past the undefeated New Zealand team in this one. History also suggests New Zealand in this one, who have never lost a match to Afghanistan at an ODI World Cup. As such, we are backing New Zealand at -400 with Picklebet.

New Zealand Top Runscorer

After missing out against Bangladesh when he was promoted up the order to open, expect youngster Rachin Ravindra to bounce back in this match. With over 200 runs in the tournament we are looking at him to top score for New Zealand in this one at +400 with top online bookmakers.

Afghanistan Top Runscorer

With the quality of the New Zealand opening pace attack, we look towards the middle order for Afghanistan. Hashmatullah Shahidi is known for spending time at the crease, most notably in his score of 80 against India. We like him to be the top scorer for Afghanistan, showing great value at +550 with top cricket bookmakers.

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