At the World Cup here on Wednesday, a resolute New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 149 runs to win for the fourth time in as many games.
Riding high on fifties from Glenn Phillips (71), Tom Latham (68), and Will Young (54), the Kiwis amassed 288 for 6 before bowling Afghanistan out for 139 in just 34.4 overs.
Afghanistan, having vanquished champions England, was unable to replicate their heroics against a well-organized New Zealand, with Rahmat Shah (36), at most, providing a semblance of resistance.
Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner, and pacer Lockie Ferguson each claimed three wickets.
Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai secured consecutive wickets to disrupt New Zealand's batting. After walking back to the pavilion with Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, and Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are currently at the crease attempting to stabilize the innings.
Devon Conway and Will Young, the New Zealand openers, started off cautiously but they were targeting Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman recovered quickly and left Devon Conway to deliver New Zealand's first shockwave.
An exciting match is anticipated as cricket fans worldwide focus on Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. New Zealand, who have won every game they have played in the tournament, is getting ready to face Afghanistan after their thrilling victory against England.
New Zealand is lagging behind India in the points table, but they have three victories and a high net run rate to their name. Afghanistan, who pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the competition, is ranked sixth.
Recent games have revealed a twist to the conventional narrative at MA Chidambaram Stadium: teams batting second have been favored. Though historically, teams choosing to bat first have won 14 out of 25 games, so the tide has turned. In two of the most recent World Cup matches held here, teams chased goals of 246 and 200, defying conventional wisdom.
It's important to note that the field has proven to be one that rewards strategic players, especially those who are strong against spin bowlers. The pitch has two potential drawbacks: power hitters may be foxed by the slow surface pace, but veteran batters can score big runs.
It's not just their undefeated season that makes New Zealand famous in this encounter. Due to their victories over Afghanistan in the two previous ODIs played during World Cups, the Kiwis have the historical advantage. Afghanistan's performance this year, though, might make for a very different match. The team now features stars like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman thanks to Hashmatullah Shahidi's leadership.
Afghanistan's spirits are raised by a heartening win over England, the reigning world champions, while New Zealand continues to ride high after winning three games. By 69 runs, the Afghans outperformed England, upending both the points table and the overall World Cup narrative.
This matchup serves as a litmus test for both teams, not just a regular match. Maintaining its winning streak and the highly sought-after second place on the table is New Zealand's goal. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is looking to keep up its momentum and move up the ladder.
Final XI for New Zealand
Trent Boult; Glenn Phillips; Daryl Mitchell; Mark Chapman; Mitchell Santner; Lockie Ferguson; Mark Henry; Will Young; Rachin Ravindra; and Tom Latham (capt, wk).
Afghanistan, Last XI
Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), and Azmatullah Omarzai.
NZ vs AFG LIVE Score Updates: Key Highlights
1. Afghanistan elected to bowl first after winning the toss.
2. Devon Conway, the New Zealand opener, and Will Young started the innings
3. Due to a thumb injury, Kane Williamson will not be participating in today's game.
4. The attack from Afghanistan is being led by spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
5. Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the target of Devon Conway, but the spinner recovered and secured his wicket.
6. Will Young, the New Zealand opener, crushed his half-century
7. Rachin Ravindra was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai, giving his team a breakthrough and ending their collaboration.
8. Azmatullah Omarzai's second wicket came from Will Young in the same over.
9. Rashid Khan, a spinner, quickly removed Daryl Mitchell to win the game back.
10. After winning four games in a row, the Black Caps secured the top spot once more in the competition.
11. Mitchell Santner's deliveries (3/19 in 7.4 overs) and Lockie Ferguson's pace (3/19 in 7 overs) proved too much for the Afghans to handle.
12. By the 14th over, Afghanistan was down to 43 for 3, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (8) becoming the third man out.
13. The New Zealanders were already in the lead, and they scarcely let them score freely as the ball turned.
14. Pacer Trent Boult ended the partnership and removed Omarzai in the 26th over.
15.After that, the Afghans hardly had any response as they kept losing wickets.
NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand defeat Afghanistan
AFG vs NZ Live: New Zealand wins the Cricket World Cup, defeating Afghanistan by 149 runs. At the World Cup here on Wednesday, a resolute New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 149 runs to win for the fourth time in as many games.
Riding high on fifties from Glenn Phillips (71), Tom Latham (68), and Will Young (54), the Kiwis amassed 288 for 6 before bowling Afghanistan out for 139 in just 34.4 overs.
Afghanistan, having vanquished champions England, was unable to replicate their heroics against a well-organized New Zealand, with Rahmat Shah (36), at most, providing a semblance of resistance.
Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner, and pacer Lockie Ferguson each claimed three wickets.
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