CWC 2023: “It could be an India-New Zealand final,” says Aakash Chopra after Black Caps’ 149-run win over Afghanistan

The Kiwis have won all their four matches in the ongoing World Cup so far.

By Salman Anjum - 19 Oct, 2023

New Zealand cricket team has had a terrific start to its World Cup 2023 campaign in India. The Kiwis have won all four matches so far and they are currently leading the 10-team points table.

New Zealand’s latest victory came against Afghanistan by a huge margin of 149 runs at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (October 18).

After watching their display against Afghanistan, former India opener Aakash Chopra feels it could be an India versus New Zealand final in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad on November 19.

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side is only behind the Black Caps on the points table, with three wins from as many games.

"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,” Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

According to Aakash Chopra, New Zealand have the ability to secure a win despite the absence of senior players like Kane Williamson and Tim Southee.

“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," he added.

Commenting on the Afghanistan match, Chopra mentioned that New Zealand batters found a way to rack up a strong total of 288/6 on the board despite being reduced to 110/4 at one stage.

"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," Chopra 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," he concluded.

By Salman Anjum - 19 Oct, 2023

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