Sport
Afghanistan set to face New Zealand in defining WC match
Two teams, who have never played each other outside of World Cups, and never in a T20 International before, are ready to face off on Sunday in what is clearly a defining match for not two but three teams.
The Super 12 match at the T20 Men’s ICC World Cup will see Afghanistan play New Zealand, but for India, the outcome of the match will decide their fate going forward.
While there’s only ever been two ODIs between Afghanistan and New Zealand, the lack of familiarity between New Zealand and Afghanistan adds a bit of uncertainty to Sunday’s match, which is Afghanistan’s last-ditch attempt to secure a spot in the semi-finals. However, it is also New Zealand’s last chance.
If Afghanistan win
An Afghanistan win opens up all sorts of scenarios.
It would take the team to six points, drawing them level on points with New Zealand and likely second courtesy of superior net run-rate.
That being said, a victory over New Zealand would not be enough to lock down Afghanistan’s spot in the semi-finals.
For Afghanistan, net run-rate will be key and they’ll have an eye on India’s game against Namibia on Monday. India will go into that match knowing exactly what they need to do to leapfrog both New Zealand and Afghanistan on NRR.
The situation for New Zealand: Eliminated
The situation for Afghanistan: Through to the semi-finals if India lose or if they finish with an inferior net run-rate
The situation for India: Through to semi-finals if they beat Namibia and secure a superior NRR than both Afghanistan and New Zealand.
If New Zealand win
A New Zealand victory presents the most straightforward of scenarios.
The Black Caps can lock down their spot in the semi-finals by beating Afghanistan as it would take them to eight points, out of reach of India and leaving Mohammad Nabi’s team on four.
If New Zealand win and Pakistan suffer a surprise loss to Scotland, the Black Caps could finish the group on top spot courtesy of a superior net run-rate.
The situation for New Zealand: Locked in for the semi-finals with a chance at top in the group
The situation for Afghanistan: Eliminated
The situation for India: Eliminated
Sunday’s match starts at 2.30pm Kabul time and will be played in Abu Dhabi.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi defeated Aino Mina 1-0 in the 41st match of Afghanistan Champions League (ACL) in Kabul on Friday.
In the 42nd match later in the day, Sarsabz Yashlar beat Khurasan Faryab 2-0.
The only goal in Sorkh Poshan Khafi’s match against Aino Mina was scored by Habibullah Hotak who netted the ball with a header.
Temor Shah Raoufi and Mustafa Rezaie scored for Sarsabz Yashlar in their 2-0 victory against Khurasan Fayrab.
Saturday’s matches will see Abu Muslim Farah take on Jawanan Wahedi at 1pm, while Adalat Farah play Khadim at 3:30pm.
The matches are broadcast live on Ariana Television.
IPL heavyweights Mumbai Indians became the first team to be knocked out of the play-off race after Sunrisers Hyderabad hammered Lucknow Super Giants by 10 wickets.
Five-time winners Mumbai are ninth in the 10-team table on eight points after only four wins in 12 matches, AFP reported.
Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, moved third on 14 points after they chased down 166 in 9.4 overs on Wednesday night, courtesy Travis Head’s 89 and 75 by Abhishek Sharma.
Lucknow and Delhi Capitals are both on 12 points and face each other on 14 May meaning Mumbai cannot qualify for the top four to contest the playoffs, even if Hardik Pandya’s side win their two remaining matches.
Mumbai lost their first three games with Pandya booed after he replaced the popular Rohit Sharma as skipper this season.
Table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals both have 16 points each.
The final will be on 26 May in Chennai.
The 37th match of Afghanistan Champions League (ACL) between Abu Muslim Farah and Adalat Farah FC on Wednesday ended in a draw.
Much to their disappointment, neither team scored a goal.
In the second match of the day, the 38th game, Maiwand FC defeated Jawanan Wahedi FC 2-0.
Thursday’s ACL matches will see Mawj Sahil take on Khadim at 1 PM and Attack Energy face Istiqlal Kabul at 3:30 PM.
The matches are being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
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