The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton will host its first ODI in 20 years when the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 arrives in the home ground of the Somerset County Club. New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in the match 13 of the tournament at the historic venue on Saturday, June 8.
The match will start at 12:30 PM GMT, 11:30 PM NZDT, 2:00 PM AFT. Afghanistan has lost both their matches in this tournament against Sri Lanka and Australia so far while New Zealand has won both their matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The two sides had previously met in a clash during the previous World Cup in 2015.
New Zealand had won that encounter in Napier by six wickets.
NZ vs AFG Broadcast details
Sky Sports will broadcast NZ vs AFG Live in New Zealand. Sky Sports website and SkyGo app will provide online streaming of the match for the viewers in New Zealand. Radio Television Afghanistan will provide television coverage for the viewers in Afghanistan. Star Sports will telecast the match live in India. Hotstar will provide live streaming of the match via the app and the website in the Indian subcontinent.
Read: Bangladesh v New Zealand live streaming on Maasranga & BTV Wednesday: WC 2019
Nicholls fit and ready to start his world cup campaign
Henry Nicholls has finally gained full fitness and could be slotted back into the XI for this match.
James Neesham will be the most likely candidate to warm the benches once Nicholls returns. According to the Cricbuzz report, Tim Southee is still not available for selection and could be in the sidelines. Other than this, New Zealand might not need to make any further changes and they would like to continue with their winning combination.
#AfghanAtalan is all set to face @BLACKCAPS in its third match in Taunton tomorrow. #CWC19 #AfghanAtalan #AfgvsNZ pic.twitter.com/vTson3GtfV
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 7, 2019
Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the tournament
The wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad has been ruled out of the World Cup after being injured for a couple of matches now.
Ikram Ali Khil has been brought in as the replacement. He could get a spot directly in the side but this would mean Noor Ali Zadran coming in as the opener. This could result in Afghanistan in Afghanistan leaving out Mujeeb Ur Rehman or Dawlat Zadran. If they don't feel comfortable with all this, Rahmat Shah is also a good choice as the stand-by keeper.
The weather in and around Taunton has been cloudy but it could be sunny during the match. There could be some moisture on the surface considering the overcast conditions. Batting won't be all that easy but once the ball gets old, it will become easier.
