In the 16th encounter of the ICC World Cup 2023, New Zealand (NZ) is set to clash with Afghanistan (AFG) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 18, commencing at 2:00 PM IST. Afghanistan made a spectacular entry into the tournament, stunning the defending champions, England, with a resounding victory in Delhi. This triumph catapulted Afghanistan to the 6th position in the points table, making them a force to reckon with.
New Zealand is displaying an unyielding determination in the ODI World Cup 2023, securing victories in all three of their matches. Their performances have been nothing short of exemplary, defeating England, Netherlands, and Bangladesh with remarkable ease. The Kiwis are keen to maintain their winning streak and continue their dominant run throughout the tournament. Let’s have a look at the weather forecast for the match.
Chennai is expected to remain rain-free with a peak temperature of 32°C around midday, gradually cooling down to 29°C in the evening. The evening, though, might experience a degree of humidity. The likelihood of dew forming towards the later phases of the match is plausible, given the absence of recent rainfall. However, should the pitch resemble the one utilized in the New Zealand vs Bangladesh encounter on October 13, the impact of dew might not pose significant concerns.
Chepauk won’t disappoint the spinners
MA Chidambaram Stadium is celebrated for its spin-friendly conditions, a rarity in Indian cricket grounds where bowlers often outnumber batters. The dry, red soil grants spinners exceptional grip, posing a formidable challenge for batters. As matches progress, the pace tends to decelerate, making second-inning stroke play notably arduous. Chennai’s humid, sticky weather further tweaks match dynamics. Winning the toss becomes pivotal, with teams favouring batting first, aiming to set an above-par target on this spin-friendly, challenging terrain.