Afghanistan are set to take on New Zealand in their third World Cup game on Saturday. The team are looking good but had so far failed to register a win in their first two games. On the other hand, New Zealand have already managed two wins in as many games.
The Kiwis will be looking to make it three wins out of three at Taunton. But Afghanistan are hopeful to break the trend and win their first game of the tournament. However, the team faced a massive blow after Mohammad Shehzad was ruled out of World Cup with a knee injury. Here is how Afghanistan could line up against New Zealand in a must win game.
Ikram Ali Khil
With Shehzad ruled out of World Cup, Ikram Ali Khil is taking his role as a wicket keeper batsman in the side. He should step up to the occasion and inspire the team despite his inexperience in international cricket.
Hazratullah Zazai
Hazratullah Zazai is an experienced campaigner in Afghanistan batting lineup. With Shehzad out, the senior batter is going to have an added responsibility to construct big innings. He will be the key for Afghanistan against New Zealand.
Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah displayed fine form against Australia but was out for just 2 runs against Sri Lanka. He should take the burden of keeping middle order intact in the initial phase of the innings.
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Shahidi had so far disappointed in the first two games against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, he has a very important role and Afghanistan are hopeful of him ahead of New Zealand clash.
Mohammad Nabi
The 34-year old is arguably the most important player in the Afghan team currently. He was brilliant with the ball against Sri Lanka. He managed to pick out 4 wickets and reduce Sri Lanka to a paltry score. However, he was not effective with the bat on the day and will be hoping to deliver with the bat as well against New Zealand.
Gulbadin Naib
The Afghan skipper had a tough time with the ball against Sri Lanka. However, he tried his best with the bat during the chase with a 23. But he will hoping for a better performance and inspire his side to a win on Saturday.
Najibullah Zadran
Najibullah is the main man for Afghanistan with the bat so far in World Cup. He scored a half century against Australia and then backed it up with 43 against Sri Lanka. The team should definitely be more supportive to him with the bat. If others can hang around, Najibullah could contribute even more with his current form.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan had a brilliant game against Sri Lanka. He played his role with the ball effectively against the island nation. However, the premier spinner will also look to replicate his batting efforts against Australia once again on Saturday.
Dawlat Zadran
The veteran pacer came good against Sri Lanka and should retain his place in this side. He will once again have an important role in the opening power play where there could be swing in offer on Saturday.
Hamid Hassan
Although, Hamid Hassan was on wickets column against Sri Lanka, he was not so disciplined. However, the team will be hopeful of his performances in the game against New Zealand.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The young mystery spinner was not up to the mark so far in the tournament. In both the games, he was tad too expensive and will look to address the issue. However, Afghanistan will once again bank on their mystery spinner to get them wickets despite his inconsistent form.