In view of the two teams’ current undefeated records, Aakash Chopra predicts an India-New Zealand final in the current World Cup.
On Wednesday, October 18, the Kiwis were given the opportunity to bat first in Chennai, and they set a 289-run goal for Afghanistan. After that, they bowled out Hashmatullah Shahidi and company for 139 to secure a commanding 149-run victory, their fourth straight triumph since the tournament’s opening round.
In a video review of the match that he posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra commended the Kiwis for extending their winning streak in the absence of Kane Williamson. He stated:
“They are an amazing team and I feel it’s not a big deal that it could be an India-New Zealand final. They have won four out of four and the semi-final berth is almost confirmed. It is such a good team that it doesn’t make a difference to them whether Kane (Williamson) is there or not. They figure out a way to win.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener praised the New Zealand hitters, particularly Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham, for playing significant innings. He clarified:
“Kane wasn’t there and there was a collapse in the middle, Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed two players in an over, but Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips came there. Will Young was there with Rachin Ravindra at the start. Conway also scored a few runs. Once you reach 280-plus, runs are not scored that easily here.”
Aakash Chopra
Latham (68) and Phillips (71) put on a 144-run fifth-wicket stand after the Black Caps were reduced to 110/4 in the 22nd over. Will Young (54) and Rachin Ravindra (32) had previously combined 79 runs for the second wicket after Devon Conway was removed in the seventh over.
Lockie Ferguson’s Fear Factor: Aakash Chopra Praises His Bowling Spell
Aakash Chopra lauded Lockie Ferguson for delivering a hostile spell when discussing New Zealand’s bowling. He stated, “
“In bowling, Trent Boult with the new ball and Matt Henry with his incoming delivery. Lockie Ferguson is actually breathing fire. The guy bowls amazingly well. He dismisses batters by scaring and threatening them.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra was not thrilled with Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first, despite the fact that it was a steep fall after their remarkable triumph over England. He stated:
“Then Mitchell Santner, three wickets from him and three from Lockie. Afghanistan had raised hopes in the last match, but it was suddenly dousing the fire. You are a mighty team but I request you to bat first when you win the toss. You stopped even England while defending and might have done the same with New Zealand.”
Aakash Chopra
Only Rahmat Shah (36) and Azmatullah Omarzai (27) from Afghanistan scored more than 20 runs. While Ferguson and Mitchell Santner both took three wickets, Trent Boult was responsible for two dismissals.