New Zealand secured a commanding 149- run victory. The Kiwis began their innings steadily but lost Conway due to a judgment error. Azmatullah’s double strike gave Afghanistan a glimmer of hope, but it didn’t last long.
Latham and Phillips regained momentum with valuable performances, and Chapman contributed some late-order runs. Their total of 289 appeared challenging. Afghanistan’s top order faltered; the middle order made an effort, but the lower order crumbled under the pressure.
Boult, Henry, and Ferguson delivered explosive bowling, while Santner and Ravindra maintained a controlled, gradual approach. Afghanistan wasn’t completely overwhelmed today, but their confidence took a significant hit after their strong performance against England.
What was expected to be a competitive match turned out to be a day when Afghanistan didn’t perform at their best. This World Cup hasn’t witnessed a thrilling close game yet, so the anticipation continues. We won’t have to wait long for the captain’s comments.
Glenn Phillips was declared player of the match for his outstanding batting.
Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Devon Conway and Will Young opened for the Kiwis and played a 30-run partnership. In the 6.3 overs, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman dismissed Conway for 20 runs (NZ 30/1). However, Young played a solid knock of 54 runs from 64 balls.
In the first powerplay of the game, New Zealand scored 43 runs. The Afghani bowlers only picked one wicket.
The Kiwis touched the 50-run mark in 10.1 overs. Rachin Ravindra and Young formed a strong partnership.
Azmatullah Omarzai picked up his second wicket after he dismissed Ravindra for 32 runs from 41 balls (NZ 109/2).
Phillips and Latham’s efforts helped New Zealand cross the 200-run mark in 42.1 overs.
Phillips made his half-century from 69 balls after playing 4 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Latham slammed fifty in 67 balls after hitting two fours and no sixes.
Tom Latham’s side made 250 runs in the 46.5 overs.
Afghanistan made a few misfields in the first inning and failed to dominate the game. The Afghan dropped four catches in the first inning.
Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets in the first inning. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket each in their respective spells.
Afghanistan failed to chase the big total, and in the end, the Kiwis won the match easily by 149 runs.
New Zealand maintains a perfect record of four wins out of four, surging to the leading position in the standings. The Kiwis are in exceptional form, benefiting from the contributions of nearly every player in the team.
