New Zealand arrive after a tough 4–1 series defeat in India, which may have dented their confidence. The positive is the time spent on Indian turning pitches, which could prove valuable against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack in Chennai.
Afghanistan look well prepared for the 20-team tournament. Their squad combines youth and experience, and under Rashid Khan there are plenty of match-winners, from quality all-rounders and fearless batters to world-class spinners who can change a game at any stage.
At Chepauk the pitch usually starts well for batters before slowing, so the middle overs may be decisive. New Zealand must rotate the strike well against the Afghan spinners, and the side that handles the conditions better, including possible dew in the second innings, should have the edge.
