New Zealand vs Afghanistan : In a thrilling encounter at the World Cup 2023, New Zealand showcased their cricketing prowess by defeating Afghanistan with a resounding 149-run victory. The match, held in Chennai, witnessed some exceptional performances from both teams, but it was New Zealand who emerged as the dominant force.
Let’s have a look into more details : New Zealand vs Afghanistan
New Zealand’s win began with a splendid batting performance as Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips slammed impressive half-centuries. Latham, scoring 68 runs from 74 balls, and Phillips, smashing 71 runs from 80 balls, led the charge. Their partnership laid the foundation for New Zealand’s formidable total of 288/6 in 50 overs. Mark Chapman’s late cameo, hammering 25 runs from 12 deliveries, added to the team’s total.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan : New Zealand Dominates Afghanistan with a Massive 149-Run Win – World Cup 2023 Highlights
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batters, with occasional sloppy fielding further boosting New Zealand’s score. Despite the early dismissal of opener Devon Conway, who contributed 20 runs, the Kiwis managed to post a challenging total.
In response to the target of 289, Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position early in the innings. New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Trent Boult and Matt Henry, struck early, dismissing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran cheaply. The pace duo combined to deliver three consecutive maidens, applying immense pressure on the Afghan batsmen.
Lockie Ferguson added to Afghanistan’s woes by removing Hashmatullah Shahidi for just 8 runs from 29 balls. Boult and Ferguson, along with other Kiwi bowlers, continued to take wickets at crucial intervals.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan : New Zealand Dominates Afghanistan with a Massive 149-Run Win – World Cup 2023 Highlights
However, Afghanistan’s struggle against New Zealand’s bowling attack was most evident when Mitchell Santner, who also became the second New Zealand bowler to achieve 100 ODI wickets, wreaked havoc. Santner claimed the crucial wickets of Mohammad Nabi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, effectively sealing New Zealand’s victory.
Afghanistan, after stunning defending champions England by 69 runs in their previous match, was hoping to make it two wins in a row against New Zealand. However, they faced a formidable New Zealand side that had maintained a 100 percent win record in the tournament.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan : New Zealand Dominates Afghanistan with a Massive 149-Run Win – World Cup 2023 Highlights
Despite their initial bowling success, Afghanistan’s batting faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals. They managed to reach a total of just 139 runs, falling significantly short of the target set by New Zealand.
With this win, New Zealand not only claimed their fourth consecutive victory in the World Cup but also climbed to the pole position in the tournament standings. Their impressive run rate (NRR of +1.923) makes them strong contenders for the semi-final stage of the World Cup. India, currently second on the World Cup points table, will be closely chasing New Zealand in this thrilling competition.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan : New Zealand Dominates Afghanistan with a Massive 149-Run Win – World Cup 2023 Highlights
New Zealand’s comprehensive 149-run victory over Afghanistan in the World Cup 2023 has set the cricketing world abuzz. With powerful batting displays and a formidable bowling attack, the Kiwis are emerging as strong contenders in this tournament. As the World Cup action continues, fans eagerly await the next chapters in this exciting cricketing saga.
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