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T20 World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar picks 'key' Afghan bowler for crunch NZ clash
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (PTI Photo)
- New Zealand can seal their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Afghanistan
- A win for Afghanistan can set up India's qualification into the last four
- "If Afghanistan beat New Zealand, they have smashed the door," Gavaskar said
Afghanistan will take on New Zealand in a crunch T20 World Cup Super 12 encounter with more than their own fate hanging in the balance on Sunday. A win for the Kiwis will seal their spot in the semi-finals, while Afghanistan can themselves advance to the last four or set the stage for India’s qualification with a victory.
With so much riding on their performance, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar wants the Afghans firing on all cylinders for the all-important clash. Speaking during a post-match show on Star Sports, the former opener outlined Mujeeb Ur Rahman - who missed the last two games with injury - as key to their prospects, hoping the spinner can recover in time to face the Kiwis.
Mujeeb last played for Afghanistan in their massive 130-run win against Scotland, when he picked up a historic five-wicket haul, including three in an over. However, he missed the games against Pakistan and India due to injury as Afghanistan lost both encounters to slip to fourth in the Group 2 points table.
Gavaskar called the 20-year-old a “key element” for Afghanistan, saying a three-pronged spin attack will hurt New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and boost India’s chances of making the semis.
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“I just want Mujeeb to be fit for that game. That would mean an additional mystery spinner against New Zealand. If he along with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi can weave their magic then...Yesterday against Afghanistan India got a little toe in. Now they will have to hold forte,” Gavaskar said after India’s win against Scotland on Friday.
“If Afghanistan beat New Zealand, they have smashed the door. Mujeeb is going to be such a key element for that game because he is very difficult to pick just like Varun Chakravarthy and he has got a little more experience than him. So, he and Rashid Khan are going to be the key,” the 72-year-old said.