India's spinner R Ashwin is backing Afghanistan to beat New Zealand in the Super 12 match on Sunday (November 7) between them. Afghanistan's win is very crucial for India as it will open the doors of semi-finals for them.
If Afghanistan lose to New Zealand, India will be out of the contest irrespective of their outcome against Namibia on Monday. Ashwin believes Afghanistan has got the ability to upset the Kiwis, especially considering it's a day game in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Ashwin said, “It is going to be a day game at Abu Dhabi, which gives Afghanistan a sort of a reasonable advantage. I won’t say it’s an edge but they definitely have the raw materials, the stocks to upset New Zealand if things go right for them.
"There is a lot of raw talent in that Afghanistan dressing room,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
India have lost against New Zealand and Pakistan in the tournament, but they went on to beat Afghanistan and Scotland convincingly. Their net run-rate is better than their competitors in the group.
Ashwin further pointed out the weakness in New Zealand's batting order and said it could lift the spirits of Afghanistan bowlers.
“We need to understand that Afghanistan will be going into the game fancying themselves against a New Zealand that played Namibia in the last game at Sharjah. They found themselves in a bit of a hole before Neesham and Phillips recovered it for them,” he added.
