Best Combined XI: New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup 2023

Last edition's runners-up New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in Match 16 of the 2023 ODI World Cup on Wednesday, October 18, in Chennai. The two will clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium from 2 PM (IST) onwards. Without a doubt, the Blackcaps are favourites, but they will not underestimate the Afghan side after their historic win over reigning champions England. 

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On 15 October, Hasmatullah Shahidi's men recorded their only second World Cup victory, defeating the English team by 69 runs. They had lost their first two matches against Bangladesh and India, but the latest win certainly boosted their confidence. However, it will not be easy for them to upset New Zealand as they are currently second in the points table with three straight wins. 

With an exciting encounter awaiting cricket fans in Chennai, let's take a look at the best combined Playing XI of New Zealand and Afghanistan 

Top-order: Devon Conway, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rachin Ravindra 

A left-hand right-hand opening combination from New Zealand and Afghanistan. Both Conway and Gurbaz are in red-hot form and could take the game away from their opponents with a blistering start. The Kiwi opener is currently third in the list of highest run scorers with 229 runs from three matches including a century. Gurbaz, on the other hand, is 11th in the standings with 148 runs, including a quick-fire half-century in their epic win over England. The two will be followed by Rachin Ravindra, who scored a sensational hundred in his World Cup debut match. The southpaw is currently 7th in the run-scorers list with 183 runs. 

Middle-order: Daryl Mitchell, Hashmatullah Shahidi  

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Daryl Mitchell and Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will carry the middle-order responsibilities. Mitchell is a strong presence for the Black Caps in the middle phase with his sensible attacking game. He played two crucial knocks for the team against Netherlands (48) and Bangladesh (89). Meanwhile, Shahidi was quiet in the matches against England and Bangladesh but scored 80 off 88 balls against India. 

All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner, Rashid Khan

The presence of three top-class spin-bowling all-rounders is one of the main strengths of this team. Rashid Khan's heroics with both bat and ball were crucial in Afghanistan's win over England. The right-arm spinner is currently ranked 15th in the list of leading wicket-takers in the tournament with five wickets. Nabi's two wickets at an economy of 2.70 were also crucial in England's epic win. Meanwhile, Santner is second on the list of wicket-takers with eight scalps. All three are capable of playing some effective cameos with the bat.

Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Trent Boult, Matt Henry 

Trent Boult and Matt Henry are the two fast bowlers in the side, but their left-arm right-arm deliveries are enough to trouble any batting line-up. With eight wickets from three matches, Henry is placed third in the wicket-takers list. Mujeeb will be the specialist spinner. He was the key factor in Afghanistan's coup, taking three wickets and making a cameo appearance with the bat.