In a sensational display of batting prowess and exceptional bowling performance, New Zealand triumphed over Afghanistan by a margin of 149 runs on Wednesday in the ongoing ICC One Day International World Cup. This victory marks New Zealand’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament, solidifying their dominance. Despite facing some challenging moments against Afghanistan’s spinners, New Zealand managed to post a challenging total of 288 runs on the board.

Glen Phillips and Captain Tom Latham played pivotal roles in this remarkable victory. Phillips displayed a stunning performance, accumulating 71 runs with the help of four boundaries and an equal number of sixes, while Latham contributed 68 runs from 74 deliveries, including three boundaries and two sixes. Together, they formed a partnership of 144 runs for the fifth wicket, guiding New Zealand to a formidable total of 288 runs.

Before this dynamic duo took center stage, Will Young played a crucial role, contributing 54 runs from 64 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, ultimately providing a strong foundation for New Zealand’s innings.

Afghanistan’s team, in contrast, failed to showcase the same level of determination and enthusiasm they exhibited when defeating England last Sunday. Their batting struggled, and New Zealand’s bowlers put up a stellar performance. Leading the charge for New Zealand’s bowling attack were Mitchell Santner, who took three wickets for 39 runs, and Lockie Ferguson, who secured three wickets for 19 runs. Trent Boult also provided valuable support by claiming two wickets for 18 runs.

Afghanistan’s batting, in the face of a challenging target, crumbled as they were bowled out for a mere 139 runs in 34.4 overs. During the initial ten overs, Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11) and Ibrahim Zadran (14), fell victim to New Zealand’s relentless bowling. Matt Henry dismissed Gurbaz, while Zadran was caught by Boult’s delivery.

The turning point for New Zealand came when Santner took a remarkable one-handed catch at square leg to dismiss Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi for just 8 runs off 29 balls. This crucial wicket reduced Afghanistan to 43 runs for the loss of three wickets. Following this, Rahmat Shah (36 off 62 balls) and Ajmat Omarzai (27 off 32 balls) tried to stabilize the innings, forming a partnership of 54 runs for the fourth wicket.

However, Latham’s decision to hand the ball to Boult paid off as he took Omarzai’s wicket, further frustrating Afghanistan’s hopes. Spinner Rachin Ravindra, on his own delivery, caught Rahmat Shah, while Santner bowled out the experienced Mohammad Nabi for just 7 runs, ultimately dashing Afghanistan’s hopes of a resurgence. Consequently, Afghanistan lost their last four wickets for only eight runs.

New Zealand, with this win, climbs to the top of the table with eight points from four matches, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. Afghanistan, on the other hand, struggled with both their batting and fielding, managing to take only five catches. Ajmat Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq claimed two wickets each for Afghanistan.

Playing XIs:

New Zealand (Playing Eleven):

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (Captain & Wicket-Keeper), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

Afghanistan (Playing Eleven):

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Ajmat Omarzai, Ikram Ali Khil (Wicket-Keeper), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.