The 16th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 is set to be a thrilling encounter between Afghanistan and New Zealand at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today (Wednesday).

Afghanistan, fresh off a stunning victory against the defending champions, England, are riding a wave of confidence into this match.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have been impressive in their first three outings but will miss their star player, Kane Williamson, due to a thumb injury sustained in their last game. 

– Recent Performances –

Afghanistan pulled off a major upset by defeating defending champion England in their last match, proving their capabilities on the world stage.

New Zealand has remained unbeaten in their first three matches, showcasing their strong form in the tournament.

– Team Leadership –

Afghanistan will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who is not only a vital batsman but also plays a crucial role as a captain, providing leadership on and off the field.

New Zealand will miss their captain, Kane Williamson, who has been instrumental in their success, especially in pressure situations. Tom Latham will spearhead them.

– Favourites –

New Zealand are considered the favorites for this match due to their consistent performance and depth in their squad.

Afghanistan, however, will be filled with confidence and may pose a significant challenge, especially after their win against England.

– Head-to-Head Record –

In their previous encounters at the World Cup, New Zealand emerged victorious in both matches, indicating a historical advantage.

– Trump Card for Afghanistan –

Afghanistan's success is expected to hinge on the performance of key players like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeebur Rehman, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

These players can make significant contributions with both bat and ball.

– Key Players for New Zealand –

For New Zealand, players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, and Trent Boult will play pivotal roles. They are expected to carry out the batting and bowling responsibilities for the team.

– Weather Conditions –

The match is set to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, where the weather is anticipated to be partly cloudy.

The temperature is expected to reach approximately 32 degrees Celsius during the game.

As the sun sets, the temperature is predicted to decrease to 26 degrees Celsius, providing some relief to the players and spectators.

– Pitch Conditions –

The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium typically offers a slower tempo, favouring spinners, especially as the match progresses.

As the game advances, the pitch tends to marginally improve, making it relatively easier for batsmen to play their shots, particularly during the later stages of the game.

The match promises to be an exciting clash between Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Both teams have their strengths, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the given conditions and circumstances.

The absence of Kane Williamson adds an element of uncertainty for New Zealand, while Afghanistan's confidence is riding high after their victory against England.