LIVE: New Zealand vs Afghanistan – ICC T20 World Cup 2024 cricket match

Six months ago at the ODI World Cup in India, Afghanistan enjoyed a stunning run, finishing sixth in the 10-team competition, above heavyweights England.

While they pulled off several upsets, such as defeating England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Aghanis could not get the better of New Zealand, losing by 149 runs in the group stage.

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott said his side will be looking to pull one back on Friday.

“I think we saw in the 50-over World Cup we’re able to compete with any side in the world. And that’s our philosophy here,” Trott said when asked if his side has the firepower to beat New Zealand.

“New Zealand [are] a very good side, very good side in all formats of the game and [have] good match-winners at their disposal … Playing against New Zealand is always a tough match and I’m looking forward to the contest – but we played them in the 50-over World Cup where they beat us. So hopefully we can get one back on them and level it up one-all,” he added.