World Cup 2023, NZ vs AFG: Kiwis Fight Hard To Set 289-Run Target For Afghanistan On Sluggish Chepauk Deck

Chennai: Glenn Phillips and skipper Tom Latham exhibited a stellar performance, forming a formidable 144-run partnership that propelled New Zealand to a total of 288 for six in their World Cup clash against Afghanistan on a Wednesday showdown at Chepauk.

Kicking off the innings, opener Will Young displayed his prowess, notching up a steady 54 runs off 64 balls. However, the Kiwis encountered a hiccup during the middle overs when Afghan bowlers took three crucial wickets. It was then that Phillips, who amassed 71 runs off 80 deliveries, and Latham, contributing 68 off 73 balls, combined forces to stabilize the innings.

The Afghan bowlers managed to regain control of the game with Azmatullah Omarzai playing a pivotal role by claiming two important wickets in the 21st over. He dismissed both well-set batsmen, Rachin Ravindra, who had scored 32 runs, and opener Will Young.

Rashid Khan, known for his crafty spin, added to Afghanistan’s success by dismissing the big-hitting Daryl Mitchell, who could only muster 1 run. However, despite their impressive performance, the Afghan team had moments of vulnerability, notably with several dropped catches.

Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen Ul Haq made significant contributions to the Afghan bowling effort, each bagging two wickets. Omarzai finished with figures of 2/46, while Naveen Ul Haq claimed 2/48.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 288 for 6 in 50 overs (Glenn Phillips 71, Tom Latham 68, Will Young 54; Azmatullah Omarzai 2/56, Naveen Ul Haq 2/48)