Afghans count on Gurbaz in clash with Kiwis

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan will look to make two wins in a raw when they face New Zealand on the spin-friendly track in 16th match of the ICC World Cup in Chennai.

New Zealand could appear as favourites but Afghanistan's spin bowling strength will give them an edge at Chepauk.

The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi will hold the key and they will hope for another strong performance by Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top.

The New Zealand unit, all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner will hold key for the Black Caps. Kane Williamson won't be taking part in the match after a fracture on his left thumb and Tom Latham will once again be leading the side.

New Zealand have won three matches in a row, while Afghanistan stunned England by 69 runs in their previous encounter.

On Tuesday, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi hailed flamboyant shot-maker Gurbaz as a “match-winner”

AFP quoted Shahidi as saying: “Gurbaz can change the game anytime…You know whenever I am talking to him, I am telling him ‘you are a match winner’. He has a lot of impact on the games.”

sa/mud