Introduction:
New Zealand’s bowlers were in imperious form as they dismissed Afghanistan for just 139 runs in 34.4 overs, chasing a target of 289. Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each, while the other bowlers chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Afghanistan had a decent start to their chase, thanks to a 36-run opening stand between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. However, Ferguson and Santner struck in quick succession to reduce Afghanistan to 56/3.
Rahmat Shah offered some resistance with a 36-run knock, but the rest of the Afghan batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
New Zealand’s bowlers put on a masterclass.
New Zealand’s bowlers were in sublime form on Wednesday, putting on a masterclass in bowling. Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, with his pace and bounce proving too much for the Afghan batsmen to handle. He finished with figures of 3/19 in his seven overs.
Santner was also excellent, with his spin causing all sorts of problems for the Afghan batsmen. He finished with figures of 3/39 in his 7.4 overs. The other bowlers also chipped in with a wicket apiece, with Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Michael Bracewell all taking wickets.
Afghanistan’s batting lineup collapses
Afghanistan’s batting lineup collapsed under the pressure of New Zealand’s bowling attack. After a decent start to their chase, they lost wickets in quick succession to be reduced to 56/3.
Rahmat Shah offered some resistance with a 36-run knock, but the rest of the Afghan batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.
New Zealand set up imposing total.
After electing to bat first, New Zealand got off to a solid start with Young and Latham putting on a 74-run opening stand. Young fell for 54, but Latham continued to anchor the innings and found a willing partner in Phillips. Before Latham was out for 68, the pair accumulated 88 runs for the second wicket.
Then Phillips seized control and pounded out a 71-run innings that was studded with seven fours and four sixes. He was eventually dismissed in the 49th over, but by that time New Zealand had already established a strong lead.
New Zealand bowlers rip through Afghanistan batting lineup
The New Zealand bowlers were ruthless in their bowling attack, ripping through the Afghanistan batting lineup in just 34.4 overs. Ferguson was particularly impressive, bowling at a brisk pace and picking up three wickets for just 19 runs. Santner was also effective, taking three wickets for 39 runs.
Conclusion:
New Zealand’s bowlers were simply too good for Afghanistan on Wednesday. They put on a masterclass in bowling to dismiss Afghanistan for just 139 runs, chasing a target of 289.
New Zealand’s victory takes them to the top of the Cricket World Cup table, with four wins from four matches. Afghanistan, on the other hand, are struggling at the bottom of the table, with no wins from four matches.