New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live Score, Cricket World Cup 2023: Follow the Live Updates of NZ vs AFG encounter in Chennai.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live Score, Cricket World Cup 2023: Mujeeb Ur Rahman gave Afghanistan a good start after they won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first in the World Cup encounter in Chennai on Wednesday. He trapped Devon Conway LBW for 20(18), however, the fielding has been bit off colour. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra were dropped early in the innings before Azmatullah Omarzai bagged two wickets in his first over to spark a mini-collapse. Afghanistan fielded an unchanged playing XI while New Zealand have brought Young in place of Kane Williamson, who has been ruled out due to a fracture on left thumb.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell (AP)

After stunning defending champions England by 69 runs, Afghanistan are looking to make two wins in a row against New Zealand in a spin-friendly Chepauk. New Zealand, on the other hand, arrived into the contest on the back of a dominating win over Bangladesh. The Kiwis will look to maintain their 100 percent record. A win against Afghanistan will help New Zealand climb to the pole position, which is currently occupied by India.

If we look at both the sides, New Zealand could appear as favourites but Afghanistan's spin bowling strength will give them an edge at Chepauk. The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi will hold the key and they will hope for another strong performance by Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top.

Here's what all has happened in the World Cup encounter between New Zealand and Afghanistan at Chepauk:

• Afghanistan won the toss and opted to field.
• New Zealand accumulated 43/1 in 1st powerplay.
• Will Young slammed his second consecutive half-century in the World Cup.
• New Zealand reached 105-1 in the first 19 overs.
• From 109/1 to 110/4 - New Zealand suffered a mini batting collapse inside 22 overs.
• Rashid Khan opened his account by removing Daryl Mitchell.
• Azmatullah Omarzai bagged two wickets in his first over.
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Devon Conway in the 7th over.
• Kane Williamson is not playing due to a fracture on left thumb.
• Afghanistan stunned England by 69 runs in the previous match.
• New Zealand have won three matches in a row.