ICC World Cup 2023: Dominant New Zealand triumphs over Afghanistan

New Zealand continues to showcase its dominance in the 2023 World Cup with a remarkable four-game winning streak. Alongside India, they are the only team that has remained unbeaten in this tournament. In the latest match against Afghanistan held tonight, New Zealand clinched a thumping victory by a margin of 149 runs, securing the top position on the points table.

Afghanistan appeared clueless in their chase of a 289-run target. New Zealand's bowlers exerted early pressure on the Afghan batsmen, causing them to lose wickets at consistent intervals. Ultimately, Afghanistan was bowled out for a mere 139 runs. Mitchell Santner (3/39) and Lockie Ferguson (3/19) each claimed three wickets for New Zealand, while Trent Boult (2/18) secured two. Rahmat Shah (36) remained as the top scorer for Afghanistan.

New Zealand's innings, when they batted first, commenced slowly, with opener Devon Conway departing early. However, the 79-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra (32) and Will Young (54) stabilized their innings. Nonetheless, Azmatullah's crucial wickets in a single over disrupted their momentum. In the subsequent over, Daryll Mitchell was dismissed, and New Zealand found themselves at 110/4. Glenn Phillips (71) and Tom Latham (68) then formed a formidable partnership, accumulating 144 runs and contributing significantly to New Zealand's respectable total of 288/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

New Zealand's next challenge will be against India on October 22 in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Pakistan on October 23 in Chennai.

Scorecard:

New Zealand: 288/6 (50 overs)

Afghanistan: 139/10 (34.4 overs)