Sports

Afghanistan gears up for World Cup match against New Zealand

Photo: ACB

Afghanistan’s national cricket team took part in a training session on Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday’s face off against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Melbourne, Australia.

Wednesday’s game between Afghanistan and New Zealand will be the 21st match of this year’s World Cup. Both teams have played one match each in the Super 12 stage so far.

New Zealand beat defending champion Australia over the weekend in their first match by 89 runs and is currently placed at the top of the Group 1 points table.

On the other hand, Afghanistan lost to England by 5 wickets in their opening match and is currently standing fourth in the Group 1 points table.

Despite a poor show with the bat, the Afghan bowlers put up a decent fight with the ball. But the team will be hoping to improve on their batting abilities in this match.

While the two teams have met only once in this format so far, a good cricketing contest is expected on the Melbourne pitch Wednesday.

The temperature is expected to hover around 18°C on matchday, but there is a 67 percent chance of rain during the game.

Speaking after their defeat to England on Saturday, Rashid said Afghanistan would bounce back from their opening loss.

“First game for the guys. A different environment for all the youngsters in the team. First time playing in Australia and the conditions, facing the bowlers with speeds of 150 plus, so a great learning for them,” said the leg spinner.

“But definitely we will come back. Some promising talent is there. We are going to be much improved in the upcoming games. Batting is the area we need to work on.”