Chennai, February 7: The upcoming T20 World Cup match between Afghanistan and New Zealand is set to evoke many memories as the two teams meet at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium this Sunday.
In 2024, the teams clashed in Guyana, where Afghanistan triumphed over New Zealand by 84 runs, propelling Afghanistan to the semifinals while the seasoned New Zealand team exited early. Their last encounter was in 2016, and expectations are high this time, especially since Group D is being dubbed the “Group of Death,” which also includes South Africa, making every result crucial.
New Zealand aims to shake off the memories of their recent 4-1 series loss to India, which raised questions about their squad due to several injuries and illnesses among players. However, having played in India recently, they are likely familiar with the local conditions. With a solid batting lineup and potent fast bowlers, they are poised to deliver a performance that can challenge Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan enters the match with renewed confidence after winning six consecutive matches before a loss to the West Indies. They will rely on their momentum and a spin-heavy attack, which is expected to thrive in favorable conditions. Remarkably, Afghanistan may be considered the favorite in this matchup.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Ish Sodhi.
Afghanistan Squad: Rashid Khan (Captain), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.
Fifth Match: England vs. Nepal, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (3:00 PM IST)
England will return to the prestigious Eden Gardens in Kolkata for their match against Nepal. With a strong batting lineup and having won 10 of their last 11 matches in this format, they are well-prepared for any challenge ahead.
However, Nepal is no longer a newcomer in the cricketing world. After nearly defeating South Africa during the 2024 T20 World Cup, they have become a formidable team, as evidenced by their success in the Nepal Premier League and impressive qualifying performances.
Under the captaincy of Rohit Paudel and with an aggressive bowling attack led by Karan KC, Nepal will enter their first international match against England with enthusiasm and high hopes.
Nepal Squad: Rohit Paudel (Captain), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Sandeep Jora, Arif Sheikh, Basir Ahmed, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, and Lokesh Bam.
England Squad: Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethel, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tong, and Luke Wood.
Sixth Match: Ireland vs. Sri Lanka, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (7:00 PM IST)
Sri Lanka, once a strong T20 team, will host Ireland as they seek to break a decade-long streak of failing to advance past the quarter-finals. Playing at home, they are familiar with the conditions, but this does not guarantee a comfortable performance. Captain Dasun Shanaka is concerned about slow pitches, and Sri Lanka’s recent record at R. Premadasa Stadium has been disappointing, highlighted by a recent 3-0 sweep by England.
Ireland sees this as an opportunity. They have not won any matches in 2024 but have come with renewed energy after winning consecutive series against weaker teams. Having played in Dubai, they are accustomed to conditions similar to Sri Lanka’s. To advance to the next round, they must defeat either Sri Lanka or Australia, putting extra pressure on the host team from the outset.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pawan Ratnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana, and Ishan Malinga.
Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling (Captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Killitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphries, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, and Craig Young.