NZ vs AFG, New Zealand continued their winning streak in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, defeating Afghanistan by a massive 149 runs in their latest encounter. This was the Kiwis’ fourth consecutive win in the tournament, and they are now firmly placed at the top of the points table.
New Zealand’s batting performance in the NZ vs AFG match
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. They made a brisk start to their innings, with Martin Guptill and Finn Allen putting on a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. Guptill was eventually dismissed for 39, but Allen continued to bat positively. He was joined at the crease by Kane Williamson, and the duo added a 100-run partnership for the second wicket.
After Allen was dismissed for 60, Williamson went on to score a century. He was eventually dismissed for 110, but by then, New Zealand had already reached a comfortable position. They eventually finished their innings on 383/7, thanks to some late hitting from Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell.
Afghanistan’s batting performance in the NZ vs AFG match
Afghanistan got off to a poor start to their chase, losing both openers early. Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran then tried to rebuild the innings, but they were both dismissed in quick succession. After that, it was all downhill for Afghanistan, as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Rashid Khan was the only Afghan batsman who showed some resistance. He scored a half-century, but it was not enough to prevent his team from being bowled out for 234 in 37.3 overs.
New Zealand’s bowling performance
New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined and accurate throughout the innings. They did not give away any easy runs, and they kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers, with three wickets to his name. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson also picked up two wickets each.
Conclusion
NZ vs AFG: New Zealand’s victory over Afghanistan was a comprehensive one. They outplayed the Afghans in all departments, and they deserved to win the match by a big margin. The Kiwis are now the favorites to win the tournament, and they will be looking to continue their winning streak in their next match.
New Zealand’s impressive batting performance
New Zealand’s batting performance against Afghanistan was one of their best in recent times. They scored a massive 383/7, and they had seven different batsmen who scored more than 30 runs. This shows the depth and quality of the New Zealand batting lineup.
Kane Williamson’s century
Kane Williamson was the star batsman for New Zealand in the match. He scored a brilliant century, and he helped to stabilize the New Zealand innings after they lost a couple of early wickets. Williamson’s century was his second in the tournament, and he is now the leading run-scorer for New Zealand.
Afghanistan’s poor batting performance
Afghanistan’s batting performance against New Zealand was disappointing. They were bowled out for just 234 runs, and they lost wickets at regular intervals. The only Afghan batsman who showed some resistance was Rashid Khan, who scored a half-century. However, it was not enough to prevent his team from being defeated by a big margin.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling performance
New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined and accurate throughout the innings. They did not give away any easy runs, and they kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers, with three wickets to his name. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson also picked up two wickets each.
New Zealand’s position at the top of the points table
New Zealand’s victory over Afghanistan has helped them to solidify their position at the top of the points table. They have now won four consecutive matches in the tournament, and they are the only team that has not lost a match yet. The Kiwis are now the favorites to win the tournament, and they will be looking to continue their winning streak in their next match.
