Glenn Phillips shines with the bat
New Zealand’s innings got off to a strong start, with the top-order batsmen laying a solid foundation. Devon Conway opened briskly, scoring 20 runs off 18 balls, including 3 boundaries. Will Young played a pivotal role in the innings, amassing 54 runs off 64 deliveries, featuring 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Tom Latham continued the momentum with a fine display of batting, contributing 68 runs off 74 balls, which included 3 fours and 2 sixes. Glenn Phillips played a crucial role in the middle order, finishing with 71 runs off 80 balls, which featured 4 fours and 4 sixes. These consistent performances allowed New Zealand to set a formidable target of 288/6 for Afghanistan to chase.
Afghanistan’s bowlers put up a valiant effort to contain the New Zealand batting onslaught. Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled with precision, delivering 10 overs, picking up a crucial wicket, and conceding 57 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, claiming 2 wickets during his 8-over spell while giving away 48 runs. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to completely stifle the New Zealand batsmen, who kept the scoreboard ticking and set a challenging target.
Afghanistan struggle in response
In response to the challenging target, Afghanistan’s top-order faced a daunting task against the New Zealand bowling attack. Rahmat Shah was the most significant contributor for Afghanistan, accumulating 36 runs off 62 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai also played a vital role with 27 runs off 32 balls. However, Afghanistan’s batting lineup faced regular setbacks, and the team found it challenging to establish substantial partnerships. The Afghanistan side was eventually bowled out for a total of 139 runs, falling well short of the target set by New Zealand.
Also WATCH: World Cup 2023, NZ vs AFG – Azmatullah Omarzai claims two wickets in a single over
New Zealand’s bowling dominance
New Zealand’s bowlers displayed a stellar performance, ensuring Afghanistan’s innings never gained momentum. Mitchell Santner was the standout performer with the ball, securing 3 wickets while conceding 39 runs in 7.4 overs. Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult contributed with 3 wickets each, further dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup. The New Zealand bowlers exhibited remarkable consistency and control, stifling Afghanistan’s attempts to build a substantial innings.
Biggest wins for New Zealand in World Cups (by runs):
- 181 vs East Africa, Birmingham 1975
- 149 vs AFG, Chennai 2023*
- 148 vs KEN, Gros Islet 2007
- 143 vs WI, Wellington 2015
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Virat Kohli gears up for Shakib Al Hasan’s challenge in IND vs BAN showdown
Here is how Twitter reacted:
New Zealand continue their unbeaten run in #CWC23 with yet another emphatic win in Chennai#NZvAFG
: https://t.co/R2WCgfr1UR pic.twitter.com/GTsrXdBYh3
— ICC (@ICC) October 18, 2023
A fighting 71 on a tough wicket helps Glenn Phillips win the @aramco #POTM in Chennai#CWC23 | #NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/jiSlM3uZCA
— Ubaid Palari (@UbaidPalar18193) October 18, 2023
Black Caps go top
Fielding highs and lows
NZ pace attack shows class
New Zealand’s winning start continues along with a big NRR boost. Read the match report below#NZvAFG #CWC23
https://t.co/fNjCgJ8CBF
— GurVinder Singh Gill (@AmGVSGill007) October 18, 2023
Can New Zealand win their first ever World Cup?#NZvAFG #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/xrK6x5CVvj
— Fawad Baloch (@Fawad97076244) October 18, 2023
Biggest wins for New Zealand in World Cups (by runs)
181 vs East Africa, Birmingham 1975
149 vs AFG, Chennai 2023* (Today)
148 vs KEN, Gros Islet 2007
143 vs WI, Wellington 2015
Their next match is against India in Dharamshala#ICCWorldCup #NZVsAfg #NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/QTrcKKO484
— 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐊 (@KingViratK_18) October 18, 2023
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