Afghanistan vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup - Taunton to host comfortable New Zealand win

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 06 Jun 2019

Ralph Staniforth 06 Jun 2019

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Ross Taylor tipped to shine in the best batsman market

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New Zealand vs Afghanistan cricket world cup 2015

New Zealand beat Afghanistan in their only previous ODI meeting at he 2015 Cricket World Cup (Getty Images)

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

New Zealand and Afghanistan face off in the first 2019 Cricket World Cup match to take place at The Cooper Associates Country Ground in Taunton. In fact, it is the first international ODI since 1999 at the ground.

New Zealand should make it three wins from three at the World Cup and I am backing Ross Taylor to continue his prolific run and be the Black Caps best batsman at 4.50.

Afghanistan Form & Team News

Afghanistan have lost both their opening games of the World Cup. A win against Australia was never expected but they would have targeted their second match against Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankans were under pressure with the bat as Afghanistan bowled them out for 201 in a rain shortened game. Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-30.

It is in the response that Afghanistan were disappointing, bowled out for 152. Najibullah Zadran stood out with the bat for his 43 runs but no one hung around long enough to support him – Zadran can be backed at 11.00 to be their best batsman again.

That was the best opportunity for Afghanistan to claim victory but now they will look to create another opportunity against New Zealand. They can be backed at 5.00 though that would be risky considering their batsmen’s struggles against fast bowling in the first two games.

Ross Taylor cricket — Ross Taylor scored 82 in his last ODI innings against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup (Getty Images)

New Zealand Form & Team News

The 35-year-old Ross Taylor has had one of his best years in a New Zealand shirt in 2019. Averaging 75 in 13 ODI’s during the course of the year, he has carried this form into the World Cup. He was not required to bat in the first game but got 82 in their one wicket victory against Bangladesh.

New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to a total of 244 at The Oval with Matt Henry taking 4-47. In response Taylor (82) and Kane Williamson (40) put on 105 runs for the third wicket. The lower order faltered once their prime batsmen were dismissed and almost handed Bangladesh an unlikely victory.

This collapse will be a concern for the Black Caps but they have the perfect opportunity against Afghanistan to find some form.

They are favourites at 1.16 to win but considering Ross Taylor’s 2019 form, my tip is for him to be New Zealand’s best batsman at 4.50.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Head to Head

New Zealand beat Afghanistan in their only previous ODI meeting at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan scored 186 batting first and New Zealand chased it down with six wickets standing.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Live Streaming

You can watch the match between England and Bangladesh on live streaming via bet365 should you have a funded account and placed a bet within the last 24 hours. Don’t miss a single ball or a good bet no matter where you are. Please visit bet365 for terms and conditions.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match Up

Afghanistan’s spin options have been impressive, particularly Mohammad Nabi who took four wickets against Sri Lanka. He is ably supported by Rashid Khan who I’ve tipped to be the top wicket taker at the World Cup.

New Zealand faltered in the batting department against Bangladesh and will want to rectify it. Fortunately for the Black Caps Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are both exceptional players against spin.