New Zealand vs Afghanistan ICC CWC, 2023, Full Score Card

OUT! EDGED and taken! New Zealand win. Tossed up outside off, Fazalhaq Farooqi looks to drive, it turns away, takes the outside edge and the slip fielder does the rest. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 149 RUNS.

Tossed up on off, Fazalhaq Farooqi blocks.

OUT! NUMBER 9 DOWN! Naveen looks to play the reverse sweep. This is slower, it goes off the top edge towards short third man where an easy catch is taken.

On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

OUT! ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST! Short and on middle, Mujeeb looks to pull but this goes off the top edge and Young at fine leg takes it.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

FOUR! SLAMMED AWAY! Short and on middle, this is pulled past mid-wicket and it goes to the fence.

OUT! TAKEN! Rashid falls now. Afghanistan are 7 down. Full and around off, Khan swings, it goes off the toe end. Mitchell at cover takes it easily.

Another quick bumper Rashid evades it.

Shorter and outside off, Rashid slashes but misses.

Around off, this is lofted down to long off for one.

Slower this time and outside off, some turn away, Rashid swings again but misses this time.

SIX! RASHID SAYS ENOUGH! This is tossed up around off, it is hit over the long on fence for a biggie.

The reverse sweep comes out but only one as it goes towards deep point.

On middle, this is worked with the turn to mid-wicket.

On the off pole, it is kept out well.

On the stumps, Rashid gets behind the line and defends.

Around off, Rashid pushes it to covers.

Angled into the pads, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Good length and on off, Rashid plays it to cover.

On off. Kept out.

A bumper, Rashid ducks under it.

On middle, defended.

On off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

OUT! TIMBER! Santner strikes back. Slower and on middle, Nabi tries to defend and misses. It beats the outside edge and hits the stumps.

FOUR! NICE AND FINE! Outside off, flatter, Nabi uses the pace and guides it past short third man for a boundary.

Flatter and on middle, kept out.

Tossed up on off, Nabi pushes it to cover.

On a length and outside off, Alikhil knocks it to point. 7 runs off the over.

FOUR! This is short and outside off. Alikhil opens the face of the bat and dabs it to third man for a boundary.

Goes short again on leg. Alikhil ducks under it.

Too full and on middle, Alikhil nudges it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Fuller and outside off, Nabi drives it to covers for a single.

Lockie Ferguson bangs a bouncer on off. Nabi blocks.

Around off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

Alikhil is batting well but needs to continue. Fuller and on off, drilled to long on for a single.

FOUR! Very full and on middle, Alikhil sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

This is full and outside off, it is pushed through covers for a single.

Flat and on off, Nabi blocks.

Mohammad Nabi walks to the middle.

OUT! THAT IS OUT! At first it looked like a bump ball but the slow motion replay clears all the doubt away. Rachin Ravindra goes very full and on middle, Shah makes room and tries to squeeze it out but hits it straight back to Rachin Ravindra. The replay shows it went straight off the bat to the bowler.

Shorter and on middle, Alikhil sits under it.

This one shapes slightly away, length and outside off, Alikhil looks to push but misses.

Bangs it short and on leg, Alikhil sits under it.

A slower one on off, Alikhil drops it to point.

Too full and on middle, Alikhil tucks it to mid-wicket.

Outside off, this is guided to point for a single.

FOUR! More runs! Too full, outside off. Alikhil drives it through covers for a boundary.

Outside off, it lands and spins in. Alikhil blocks again.

This is full and outside off. Alikhil blocks as he steps across.

Drops it short and outside off, Shah cuts it through covers for a single.

TWO MORE! This is full and outside off, it is driven through covers for a couple.

Full and outside off, this is pushed to cover.

Full and outside off, Alikhil drives it to the right of mid off and Matt Henry dives to save a couple.

Keeps it short and outside off. Alikhil tries to ramp it over but misses.

Ikram Alikhil walks in now.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Trent Boult does it for his team. Boult steams in and goes short, around off. Omarzai looks to pull but gets a faint edge to the keeper who makes no mistake. Afghanistan in more trouble.

Angling on middle, this is tapped to cover for a quick single. Mitchell Santner picks up and underarms it at the batter's end but misses. Was very close.

Length ball, outside off, Shah shuffles across and slaps it wide of mid off for a couple.

Length ball, outside off, this is dropped to point.

Trent Boult is back into the attack.

Edged and four! Flat and outside off, Omarzai looks to cut but edges it down to third man for four.

Good delivery! Lands outside off and spins away. Omarzai prods to defend but misses.

FOUR! A boundary after very long time. Flat and outside off, comes in. Omarzai waits and cuts through backward point for four.

On off, pushed to covers for a single.

Tossed up on middle, Omarzai heaves it wide of long on just for a single.

Slightly short and outside off, Omarzai slaps it through covers for a couple.

Full and on middle and leg, Shah misses his sweep. An appeal from Glenn Phillips but it was going down.

Flat and on middle, nudged to square leg for one.

Too full and on middle, Shah skips down and smashes it past the bowler to long on for one.

A quicker delivery on off. Shah defends.

Tad short and on off, Omarzai pulls it over to deep mid-wicket for a single.

High time Afghanistan change gears now. Flat and on off, defended out.

Shorter and outside off, this is cut through covers for a single.

Too full and on off, Omarzai defends it again.

On middle, Omarzai blocks.

Tossed up, outside off, Shah lofts it over to covers for a single.

Full and outside off,driven to covers for a single.

Shorter and outside off, Omarzai looks to cut but edges it down to third man for a couple.

On the pads, this is clipped to square leg for one.

Flatter and on middle, Shah helps it to short fine leg for a single.

Three dots! On middle, Shah keeps it out.

Dot after dot! Too full and on middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on leg. Shah looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Too full and on middle, Omarzai eases it to long on for a single.

Outside off, this is guided to point for a single.

Another dot. Flat and on middle, Omarzai punches it to short cover.

Too full and outside off, Omarzai drops it to cover.

This one comes with the arm, outside off, it is left alone.

Tossed up, outside off, Shah knocks it to cover for a single.

Fuller and outside off, Omarzai drives it to long off for a single.

Rachin Ravindra to bowl now.

Tossed up on off, nudged to square leg for a single.

Flighted on off, this is swept to short fine leg for a single.

Flat and on off, Omarzai tucks it through square leg for a single.

On middle, eased to long on for a single.

Wide! This one lands on middle and spins away. shah looks to paddle it but misses.

Fuller and on off, Shah skips down and drills it to long on for a couple.

Tossed up, outside off, Shah blocks.

Yet another tidy over from Santner. Full and outside off, Shah works it to point for a single.

Around off, Shah pushes it to cover.

Fuller and outside off, it is driven to long off for a single.

On middle, this is blocked out.

Fuller and outside off, Omarzai swipes across to mid on.

Fuller and outside off, Omarzai slashes and misses.

This is full and outside off, it is driven to covers for a single.

Flat and on middle, this is blocked out.

Shorter and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

On middle, this is blocked out.

This is close to off. Shah plays with soft hands to square leg.

Length ball on middle, Shah nudges it to mid-wicket.

Wide! Drops it short and on middle, Shah leaves.

Drinks! New Zealand are all over Afghanistan with their accurate bowling and extraordinary fielding. It will be a long night for Afghanistan who are looking for a partnership and will look upon these two to take the matter in their own hands.

This is full and outside off, Shah drives it to covers for a single.

Tossed up on middle, this is tucked to mid-wicket.

FOUR! That will help a lot. Much needed. Shorter and on middle. Shah goes back quickly and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Flat and on off, Shah keeps it out.

On middle, blocked out.

Full and on off, pushed to long off for a single.

Outside off, this is guided to point.

Too full and outside off, Shah hits it wide of cover and evades the dive from the man at mid off. Two.

Fuller ball, outside off, Shah drives it to cover.

A bumper on middle, Shah evades it well.

On a length and around off, Shah blocks it out.

Shorter and on middle, defended.

Another single to end the over as this is hit to long off.

This is full and on off, it is driven to long off for a single.

Fuller and on middle, this is blocked.

Full and on middle, driven to long off for a single.

Tossed up, outside  off, lands and spins away. Shah prods to defend but misses.

This one lands on off and spins away. Shah dabs it to third man for a couple.

OUT! GONE! Something was bound to happen with so many dot balls. Take a bow, Santner. Pulls off a screamer. This is short and on middle, got big on Shahidi who pulls but top edges it to square leg. Mitchell Santner runs back, keeps his eyes on the ball, dives and takes with his left-hand. A one-handed stunner and holds on to it after falling on the ground as well. New Zealand all over Afghanistan.

This is on middle, Shahidi tries to slash but mistimes it to mid off.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for one.

Afghanistan taking no risk at all. Both look too defensive. Length and on  off, dropped  to point.

A good-length ball on middle, Shah blocks.

Drops it short and on middle, Shah hops and turns it to square leg.

A single to end the over as Shah hits it through covers.

Too full on middle, drilled to long on for one.

Shahidi uses his feet, this is flat and on middle, Shahidi fends it away on the leg side.

Mitchell Santner bowls in the rough patch. Outside off and makes it to turn in. Shahidi keeps it out.

An arm ball on middle, Shah tucks it to square leg for a single.

Fuller ball, outside off, Shah drives it to point.

New Zealand keeping the field tight. Length and outside off, Shahidi taps it to point.

Drops it short and outside off, Shah dabs it to third man for one.

Length ball, outside off, Shah taps it to point.

Fuller and outside off, this is driven to the right of mid off for one.

On a length and on middle, blocked out.

141 clicks to start the spell, this is full and on middle, eased to mid on.

On the pads, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Wide! This one lands on middle and spins away. Huge turn. Shahidi misses his clip.

Slower and on the pads. Shahidi pulls it to short fine leg.

FOUR! Just far away. Floated, full and outside off. Shahidi uses his feet and smashes it to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Tossed up, outside off, Shahidi defends it very late.

Flat and outside off, this is guided through point for a single.

This is full and outside off, Shah drives it through covers for a couple of runs. He is off the mark.

End of Powerplay 1! Now, 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Mitchell Santner to bowl now.

Yet another maiden! Length and on off, kept out.

Another one outside off, Shahidi misses the drive yet again.

Angles this away from off, Shahidi looks to push at it but is beaten.

A sharp bumper, evaded well.

On off, this is kept out.

On middle, blocked.

Yet another dot! Runs are hard to come by. On off, this is pushed to cover.

Another dot! Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Fuller and on off, Shah pushes it to covers.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Lands safe! A quick bumper, Shah is late on the pull, it goes off the splice but lands short of mid-wicket.

Length again and around off, this is pushed to cover.

Maiden then by Henry! Good length and on off, Shahidi gets right behind the line and blocks.

BEATEN! Good length and on off, this one lands and moves away. Shahidi is beaten again as he tries to defend.

On the off pole, this is pushed to cover.

On the stumps, Shahidi plays it back to the bowler.

Around off, defended well.

Beauty! Length and around off, this lands and moves away. Shahidi is beaten as he tries to defend.

On off, defended well.

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

On off, blocked.

Fuller and on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

Around off, kept out.

OUT! TAKEN! It was Henry in the last over and this time its Boult. Both the openers back in the hut in the space of three balls. A slower one on middle, it grips in the surface. Zadran looks to work it on the leg side. This goes off the leading edge and Santner takes it. Afghanistan in huge trouble now.

Around off, kept out.

OUT! TIMBER! That is a cracking delivery! The big wicket of Gurbaz is taken. Matt Henry gets his revenge. This lands around off, it pitches and comes back in. Henry may have rolled his fingers on it. Sneaks between the gap of bat and pad as Gurbaz tries to defend and hits the stumps. Timely as these two were starting to flourish.

Quick run now! On middle, Zadran looks to drive, it hits the inside edge and then rolls on the leg side for one.

Good batting! Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

SIX! That is a serious shot! Over the fence. Fuller and on off, this is lofted down and Over the mong off fence.

Lands short! Good length and on off, extra bounce, Gurbaz looks to defend but it hits the glove but Landa short of the first slip fielder.

Around off, Zadran guides it to point.

Yet another one! They need to to start rotating the strike more. On off, Zadran pushes it to covers.

Another dot! On off, kept out.

Two more! Shorter and on middle, Zadran pulls it through square leg for two.

Length and around off, this is pushed to mid off.

FOUR! OFF THE INSIDE EDGE! Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do. Length and around off, Zadran pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge and down to the fine leg fence.

Sharp stuff! A bumper, quick one, Gurbaz leaves it alone.

On middle, kept out.

Outside off, left alone.

Tip and run! Good batting! Length and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

FOUR! FLAYED AWAY! Short and outside off, Ibrahim cuts it past point for a boundary. First real poor ball and it is put away.

On off, kept out.

Beaten! A good nut to end! Shorter and outside off, Gurbaz looks to cut but misses.

A quick run! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

Fuller this time but a little too straight. Gurbaz looks to flick again but misses to get hit on the pads.

Beauty! Extra bounce! Shortish and around off, this one lands and takes off. Gurbaz is beaten as he tries to put bat on ball.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Just outside off, Gurbaz guides it down to third man for one.

Another one which jags back in after landing on middle, it hits Gurbaz high on thr pads as he tries to flick.

A loud appeal but not given again! Angled into the pads, Gurbaz looks to put bat on ball but misses to get hit on the pads.

Length and around off, this is guided down towards third man for one. Ibrahim is off the mark too.

Movement off the pitch! Length and around middle, this lands and jags back in. It goes off the inner half as Gurbaz looks to defend and towards fine leg for one.

First run off the bat! Length and around off, this is guided down to third man for one.

That seemed like a quiet appeal but New Zealand have reviewed, it seems to be pitching outside leg. NOT OUT! The Kiwis lose a review early on. This lands outside leg and straightens. Gurbaz misses his defense and gets hit on the pads. Not a good review.

Yet another full and outside off, this time inside the tramline, Gurbaz lets it go at the end.

WIDE! Way too wide, Boult this time looks to angle it across but it is well wide outside off. Left alone.

Fuller and around off, not a lot of movement this time, it js pushed to cover.

WIDE! Slides this one down the leg side and courtesy that extra, Afghanistan are underway!

Slightly fuller again, letting the ball do its bit, Gurbaz yet again plays it to mid on.

Hint of inward movement, it is on a length and around middle, this is pushed to mid on.

FOUR! Strong finish from New Zealand. On a length and on middle, Santner hammers it down the ground for a boundary. New Zealand finish with 288.

Leg bye! Too full and down the leg side. Chapman misses his flick and it goes to the keeper along the ground. One.

TWO RUNS! Slower short ball on middle, Chapman pulls it to deep mid-wicket and gets two runs quickly.

This is full and outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a single.

Shorter and outside off, Chapman skips down and slaps it to long off for a single.

Fuller ball, outside off, Chapman drags it to deep mid-wicket between two fielders and gets a couple.

A yorker on middle, Chapman jams it out on the deck and hurries across for a quick single.

SIX! What an over this is. What finish from Chapman. On a length and on middle, this is heaved over to mid-wicket for a biggie.

Length ball, wide of off. Chapman hammers it wide of long off. Rashid Khan runs to his right but overruns and the batters take two.

FOUR! Azmatullah Omarzai is not getting right. A low full toss, outside off, this is smoked down to long off for a boundary.

Full and on off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

Length ball on off, Chapman drops it in front of the bowler and runs across.

NO BALL AND FOUR! A full toss, outside off. Chapman slaps it through point and it races to the fence. A no ball is called for the height. Free-hit next.

Slower one from Naveen-ul-Haq, outside off, Santner looks to push but misses. Excellent over from Afghanistan.

Fuller and on middle, Chapman tucks it to square leg for a single.

Around off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

OUT! BOWLED! Naveen-ul-Haq has both the set-batters. A length ball off. Latham tries to be innovative as he steps across to paddle but misses and it crashes the stumps.

Length and on off, tapped to point for a single.

OUT! Phillips had to clear this one. A juicy full toss, outside off. Phillips hammers but fails to power it. The ball goes high and to long off where Rashid Khan runs to his left and takes it. Crucial wicket at a crucial time for Afghanistan.

Again! Length ball, outside off, Latham paddles it behind over short third man for a couple more. 18 runs of this one.

FOUR! 250 up for the Kiwis and even 290 looks possible now. This is full and outside off. Latham gets across and scoops it behind the keeper for four.

Goes for the widish yorker, outside off, Latham looks to push but misses.

SIX MORE! Afghanistan are feeling the pressure of the sloppy fielding now. Shorter and on off. Latham hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket.

SIX! STRONG SHOT! This is full and on middle, Latham shuffles across, gets inside the  line and hammers it straight down for a six.

Fuller ball, outside off, Latham looks to drive but misses.

Too full and on off, Latham whips it behind square leg for one. Fifty for Latham now. Need a big finish from him now.

FOUR! Latham moves to 49. Shorter and on off, this is pulled through square leg for four.

Fuller and outside off, Phillips again looks to drive but slices it to third man for one. They needed another one but the throw was excellent.

Half-a-chance! Full and outside off. Phillips lofts off the toe end of his bat and over mid off. Rashid Khan gives a chance, runs backward but cannot pull it off in the end. Needed something special.

Shorter and on the hips, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.

Short in length and outside off, Phillips pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

This is full and outside off, Latham tries to hoick it across but misses.

A single now as Phillips drives this full ball to long off.

SIX! Same result. Drags his length back and bowls it around off. Phillips pulls it all the way over square leg for consecutive biggies.

SIX! Sits nicely this one. Pitched up, outside off, Phillips makes room and slashes it over long on for a huge biggie.

SINGLE! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for a single.

Wide! Fazalhaq Farooqi tries the slower bumper but it goes down the leg side, left alone.

A length ball, on off, Phillips knocks it through covers for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is back into the attack.

100-runs stand between these two now. On middle, this is eased to long on for a single.

Tossed up on off, Latham plays it to square leg for a single.

Another single as Phillips works it to long off.

Fuller and outside off, it is swept to square leg for a single.

Flat and on middle, Latham keeps it out.

Shorter and on middle, Phillips lofts it to long on for a single.

Too full and on off, Phillips pushes it to long off for a single. A fine fifty by Phillips. Vame in when his team was under some pressure but has done an excellent job.

Tossed up on middle, this is blocked.

On middle, this is swept to square leg for a single.

DROPPED! ONCE AGIN! Rashid Khan is now frustrated. Tossed up on off, spins away. Latham looks to flick but gets a  leading edge to covers where Hashmatullah Shahidi leaps but fails to hold on.

Around off, this is punched to covers for a single.

Angles this on middle and leg. Latham sweeps it to short fine leg for one. Rashid Khan appeals but that one was off the blade. 200 up.

On off, this one skids on.  Phillips blocks.

SIX! HUGE! Phillips loved that one. Tossed up, outside off. Phillips slog-sweeps it over mid-wicket for a six.

Tossed up on off, punched back to the bowler.

Flat and on off, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Goes for the reverse sweep again but finds short third man.

This is full and outside off, Latham looks to reverse sweep but misses.

CHANCE! Rashid Khan is really not happy. Flat and around off. Latham looks to reverse sweep but mistimes and it lobs to backward point where Mujeeb Ur Rahman fails to gather it cleanly. Was an easy one to grab but made a meal of it.

Outside off, this is hit through covers for a single.

Quicker, full and outside off, this one surprises Phillips as it bounces off the deck. Phillips looks to push but misses.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Not so good from Khan. Drops it short and on middle, this is pulled to square leg for four.

A quicker delivery on off, this is punched to cover.

Too full and on off, Latham reverse sweeps it to short third man for one.

End of Powerplay 2! Now, 5 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

On the middle, this is defended out.

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed to long off for a single.

On the middle, Phillips works it to square leg for one.

Around off and this one stays low. Phillips makes a solid block.

Full and outside off, this is pushed to long off for one.

Leg bye! SHARP RUN! On the pads. Phillips misses his clip and it rolls to square leg for one.

Tossed up, outside off and spins in. Latham sweeps, not off the middle and the man at short third collects on a bounce.

On middle, this is tucked to square leg for a single.

A leg-breaker on the pads, this is clipped to square leg for one.

Full and outside off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

This one lands outside off and spins away. Latham cuts it late and to short third man for a quick single.

Flatter and on middle, Latham stays back and defends.

Angling on middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

This is full and on middle, Phillips again defends it out.

On a length and on off, Phillips blocks it out.

A slower length ball, outside off, Latham strokes it in the gap to covers for one.

TWO RUNS! Length ball, outside off, Latham cuts it late and through backward point for a couple.

Wide! Shorter and outside off, too wide and Latham leaves it alone.

Short in length and outside off, Latham punches it to point.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off, kept out.

FOUR! NICE AND FINE! On middle, this turns back in. Glenn Phillips plays it fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.

A loud appeal but turned down! The impact could be an issue. Glenn Phillips had taken a long stride forward. Not out! The impact is umpire's call! Not a bad review. This lands outside off and turns back in. Glenn Phillips looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads.

Around off, kept out.

Two! On the pads, this is worked through square leg. The fielder runs in but doesn't pick the ball up. Two in the end.

A full toss, this is driven towards mid off, they go for one, the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Shorter and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Back of a length and on off, defended.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

A short one on middle, this is pulled towards deep square leg for one.

Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Outside off, this is guided to point.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one more.

Around off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

On middle, kept out.

Flatter and on middle, Glenn Phillips works it to mid-wicket.

Shorter and outside off, this is guided through point for one.

SIX! The last ball spoils the over. This is short and it is banged away. Glenn Phillips smashes it flat and just over the mid-wicket fence.

Five dots in a row! Slower and around off, kept out.

Pushes it through and lands it on off, Glenn plays it to covers.

Another dot! Fires it on off, this is pushed to cover.

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off, blocked.

Two again! A really good over for the Kiwis. On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.

Around off, kept out.

Two more. 8 from the last three balls. On off, this is pushed wide of long off for two.

FOUR! HE HAD TO HIT THAT! On middle, the paddle scoop comes out, it is played fine on the leg side for a welcome boundary.

Two! Angled into the pads, this is worked wide of square leg for two.

Another tidy over! Around off, blocked.

Attacks middle, Phillips works it to mid-wicket.

Gets off strike as he eases it down to long on.

On middle, Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket. 4 dots in a row now.

On the pads, this is worked to short fine leg.

Slightly Shorter and around off, Latham pushes it to covers.

Shorter and outside off, this is cut to point.

On off, kept out.

Two! Angled into the pads, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket for two.

Fuller and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

Around off, this spins back in, Glenn looks to defend but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Around off, blocked.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

FOUR! OFF THE OUTSIDE EDGE! Tossed up outside off, Glenn pushes at it, it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence. Two boundaries in the last two overs.

On off, flatter, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle, this is worked to short fine leg.

A single to end! A good over for the Kiwis. Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

FOUR! EXCELLENT PLACEMENT! That will release the pressure a little bit. Shorter and outside off, Glenn Phillips pounces on it and cuts it past point for a boundary.

Another single! Around off, this is guided towards point for one.

A short one on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one. A run after quite a few deliveries.

The series of dots continues. On middle, this is kept out.

Attacks the stumps, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on off, this is blocked.

On middle, this is worked with the angle to mid-wicket.

Good bowling! Watching the batter till the end. Steps out but Nabi shortens the length again, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

Fires it on off, this is pushed to cover.

Steps out but the length is shortened, it is pushed back to the bowler.

On middle, Latham works it to mid-wicket.

Single to end! Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Lands safe! Shorter and on middle, Glenn Phillips looks to pull, it goes off the top edge but lands well short of fine leg. A run taken.

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Good length and on middle, kept out.

Back of length and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to cover.

Close! Flat and outside off, Latham looks to punch but inside edges and it was not that far from hitting the stumps.

Pushes this well wide of outside off. Latham flashes and misses.

Flat and on off, blocked out.

Tossed up on off, Latham sweeps it through square leg for a couple of runs.

Tossed up on middle, Latham turns it to square leg.

This is full and on middle, it is swept to square leg.

Shorter and on middle, Phillips fends it away on the leg side. Was in an uncomfortable position there.

On the pads, Latham whips it to deep square leg for a single.

Hard-length delivery on middle, this is defended.

This is very full and on middle, Latham turns it to mid-wicket, straight to the fielder.

On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Outside off, Latham plays it to square leg for a single.

Tossed up, outside off, Phillips gets across and tucks it to mid-wicket. Just one off the over.

On middle, Phillips again blocks it out.

Too full and around off. Phillips prods and blocks.

Full and on middle, it is nudged to mid-wicket.

Flatter and outside off, Phillips knocks it to cover.

Tossed up on middle, it is flicked to square leg for one.

Length ball on middle, Latham turns it to mid on for a single.

A length ball, around off. Latham gets across to defend.

Outside off, Phillips works it to point for a quick single.

Length ball on top of off. Phillips makes a solid block again.

This is full and around off, Phillips blocks.

Length ball, outside off, this is guided to third man for a single.

Floated on middle, Latham turns it to square leg for a single.

Around off, this is pushed to covers for a single.

Wide! Shorter and outside off, left alone for a wide.

OUT! GONE! Afghanistan have changed the game in no time. Are we seeing another collapse here? Tossed up on middle, quicker ans Mitchell was late as he tries to heave it over mid-wicket. He mistimes and Ibrahim Zadran leaps and takes at mid-wicket. Afghanistan suddenly are bossing the game.

This is full and outside off. Mitchell keeps it out.

Flat and on off, Mitchell defends again

Full and on middle, blocked out.

OUT! GONE! There is a spike. Azmatullah Omarzai has two in his first over. This over has completely changed the tide. On a length and outside off, stays low and jags back in a touch. Young was through his shot as he looks to drive but gets an inside edge to the keeper who grabs with one hand. Afghanistan were confident, they took the review and got the results.

Has that been taken? The keeper is confident but it is taken upstairs. There is a spike.

Goes a bit short, outside off, Mitchell drops it to point for a quick single.

This is full, outside off. Mitchell pushes it to cover.

Length ball, outside off. Mitchell blocks.

OUT! BOWLED! That is an absolute beauty from Azmatullah Omarzai and he has the man in-form here. A length ball on middle, Ravindra tries to heave it across but misses and the ball crashes the stumps. A much needed wicket for Azmatullah Omarzai.

A length ball, outside off, Ravindra punches it to mid off.

Pushes it full and on off, Young drives it to Khan.

A googly on middle. Ravindra plays it back to Khan who misfields and allows a run.

Targets the top of off, it is punched to cover.

This one skids on, outside off. Ravindra looks to drive but misses.

Tad short and on middle, Ravindra pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple.

On middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

Wide! This is full and around off, spins away from the batter. Ravindra looks to flick but misses and it goes to the keeper who fails to grab it cleanly. Rachin Ravindra was off-guarded and Afghanistan have missed out here. Will go down as a chance.

Goes short but on the slower side, this is outside off and Will Young misses his pull.

Drops it short and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for a single.

Leg bye! On the pads, it is helped off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.

On a length and on off. Young defends it late and inside edges it onto the pads.

On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! That is a serious stroke. Pitched up, outside off, Ravindra lofts it over cover wonderfully for a boundary.

This is full and on middle, Young turns it to mid-wicket.

Fuller and outside off, it is dropped to point for a single.

Goes for the googly on middle, Ravindra defends again.

Tossed up on middle, quicker this time. Ravindra blocks.

Fuller and outside off, it is driven through covers for one.

FOUR! New Zealand are finding the gaps well. Fifty up for Young as well. Well played so far and he will look to continue. Shorter and outside off, this is cut through backward point for four.

FOUR! That is a strong shot! Fuller and around off, it is drilled past mid off. No chance of stopping that.

On middle, fuller, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.

Shortish, outside off, stays low a touch. Ravindra looks to cut but misses.

Outside off, Young waits and then guides it down to third man for one.

A good slower one, Young first thought of driving it but then adjusts and defends it to cover. He was almost done in by the slowness.

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on for one.

Quicker and on off, Young hangs back and defends. Good comeback by Rashid.

Almost! This one lands outside off and skids through. Young looks to cut but misses.

On middle, not a lot of turn, easily blocked.

On off, Young pushes it to covers.

Flatter and on off, gets his length right this time, defended.

The physio is out to assist Fazalhaq Farooqi. The players have taken drinks as well! New Zealand are off to a good start. Will Young looks well settled while Rachin Ravindra is enjoying his time in the middle. Afghanistan didn't take their chances in the field and are now feeling the heat.

FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Rashid. Shorter and outside off. Young waits and then guides it past point. Fazalhaq Farooqi puts in a dive but it goes well wide of him. He might have hurt himself. The physio is out to have a look.

Change. Rashid Khan to bowl now!

Around off, this is pushed to cover.

Now takes one by pushing this down to long on.

SIX! GLORIOUS! He uses his feet so well. Gets to the pitch of it and lofts it over the long on fence.

Waits for the ball to come to him and then works it through square leg for one.

On middle, this is worked towards square leg for one.

Tossed up on off, Rachin leans into it and strokes it down to long off for one.

Just 5 runs of this one. Length and outside off, Rachin Ravindra strokes it to point for a single.

Full and angling on middle, it is worked to long on for a single.

On a length and on middle, Ravindra turns it to long on for one more.

Naveen-ul-Haq tries the inswinging yorker but goes too full and on middle, it is played to long on for one.

Length and outside off, it is tapped to point.

Outside off, this is guided through point for a single.

Huge over for New Zealand as 15 comes off it. On middle, this is clipped to mid-wicket.

SIX! Ravindra hits one now. He is in the form of his life. Superb hitting! Too full and around off. Ravindra dances down the track this time and tonks it over long on for a biggie.

Takes a single now. Full and on middle, it is drilled to long on for one.

SIX! Young goes big. That was right off the middle. Tossed up on middle, Young comes down the track and smokes it over long on for a biggie.

Floated, full on middle, Ravindra sweeps it to square leg for a single.

Flat and on middle, Ravindra blocks.

This is full and on middle, it is played back to the bowler.

Slants a length ball on middle, Young bunts it to mid-wicket.

This is full and on middle, it is eased down to long on for a single. 50 up for the Kiwis.

Outside off, this is dabbed wide of short third man for a single.

TWO RUNS! Good running! On a good-length and on middle, Young nudges it through mid-wicket and collects a brace.

Naveen-ul-Haq bowls it full and outside off. Ravindra knocks it through covers for a single.

Tossed up on middle, it is tucked to mid-wicket.

Leg bye! Quick single! Sliding on the pads, Ravindra tries to flick but misses and it goes off the pads to short fine leg for a single.

Goes full and around off, Ravindra pushes it back to Nabi again.

Tossed up on middle, Ravindra blocks it out.

This is full and on middle, Young plays it to square leg and gets to the other end.

Flat and outside off, Young cuts it but to point.

End of Powerplay 1! Now, 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack as well.

He does, on middle, this is played back to the bowler.

On a length and around off, Rachin guides it to point. Not a lot of bounce again. Can Neveen end the over well?

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

On middle, kept out.

Angled into the pads, Young works it around the corner and takes one.

A length ball around off, this is pushed to cover.

DROPPED! That should have been taken! The man in form gets a life. On middle, Ravindra flicks, it holds in the surface, it goes uppishly towards mid-wicket. Shahidi dives to his right but spills it.

Around middle, blocked.

On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket for one.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off.

FOUR! NICELY TIMED! Short and outside off, Young waits and then guides it past point. Uses the pace of the bowler and bags a boundary.

Well played! On middle, fuller and Young defends it out.

A single to end! Outside off, Young waits and guides it down to third man for one.

A slower one, fuller, this is driven back to the bowler.

Good length and on off, blocked.

EDGY RUNS! Length and around off, Young looks to defend, it goes off the outside edge, wide of widish first slip towards third man for two.

FOUR! That is way too short on this wicket. Young has enough time, he rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Almost! Clear indication of the wicket slowing up. Shorter and outside off, Young looks to push at it, it goes off the inside edge but just wide of the stumps.

Angled into the pads, Ravindra works it to mid-wicket.

Dot to end a successful over by Mujeeb. Around off, Ravindra pushes it to cover.

Flatter and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Rachin Ravindra is the new man in.

A LOUD APPEAL BUT NOT GIVEN! Afghanistan review. Looks close. OUT! THREE REDS! That is a superb review. The ever-reliable Conway falls. Massive wicket as he is arguably the best player of spin in this side. This is flatter and on off, it turns back in a touch. Conway misses to put bat on ball and is hit on the pad. A much-needed wicket for Mujeeb and his side.

Flatter and on middle, Conway prods and defends it again.

FOUR! LOVELY! A little too full and Conway pounces on it. He leans into it and strokes it through covers for a boundary. Sheer timing.

Angled into the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for another one. Another tidy over by Fazalhaq Farooqi.

On the pads, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

Fazalhaq Farooqi has been tidy so far. Yet again hits the length and on middle, defended.

This lands on middle, Young moves across and defends.

A little too straight, this is worked down to fine leg for one.

On a good length and around off, Conway defends it.

Quicker and around off, this is pushed to cover. No real turn for Mujeeb so far.

Flatter again this time, Young stays back and guides it to point.

SIX! NOT THIS TIME THOUGH! Uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it well over long on. Not many use their feet to Mujeeb but Young does it brilliantly.

Flatter and on the stumps, Young guides it towards point. He is happy to play Mujeeb off the back foot.

Quicker and on off, this is pushed to the cover fielder.

Flat and outside off, Young taps it to backward point.

FOUR! ONE HAND COMES OFF THE HANDLE BUT STILL FINDS THE GAP! Full and around off, this is driven, it may have come slow off the surface but the gap is still found and it races away.

On the stumps, blocked.

On the fuller side, this is driven wide of mid off for one.

Around off and on a length, defended.

Fuller and around off, Young pushes it to mid off.

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

On the shorter side, Young pushes it towards cover for one.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Shortish and around off, this is pushed through covers for two.

Two more! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

On middle, another one a little too straight, this is worked to square leg.

FOUR! Nice and fine! On the pads, this is swept past short fine leg and it races away to the fence.

On middle, good length, this is kept out. Good over by Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to mid off.

Back of a length this time, this is guided to point

Solid! Good length again and around off, this is played back towards the bowler.

Good length again and on off, this is kept out towards cover.

Fuller and on off, this is pushed towards mid off.

Young is off the mark too, this comes in with the angle, ends up on the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

A little too full and that helps Conway and New Zealand get underway. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Goes back to attacking the stumps, this is played back to the bowler.

This one skids through, shorter and outside off, stays a touch low. Conway looks to cut but misses.

Quicker and on the stumps, kept out.

Starts off with one flatter and on middle, defended.

Time for the action to begin! Out walk the Kiwi openers, Will Young and Devon Conway. Mujeeb Ur Rahman has the first new ball in hand. Here we go...

Time for the National Anthems now! The players make their way out to the middle. The first ball isn't far away.

Pitch report - Sunil Gavaskar says the Kiwis managed to beat Bangladesh on this surface. Simon Doull adds, it seems a really good pitch, not a lot of grass and the wrist spinners might come into play.

Tom Latham says he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. Adds it is about adapting to the conditions. Informs Young comes in for Williamson. Reckons the wicket might be better than the last one. Ends by saying he hopes they can continue to do well.

Hashmatullah Shahidi says they will bowl first. Adds that there might be dew later on. Adds they'll try and restrict them to a low score. Informs they are playing the same side. Ends by saying they enjoyed their last win but are looking forward to this game.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C) (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and will BOWL first.

Both sides have momentum by their side. The Kiwis, along with India, are probably playing the best brand of cricket so far. Afghanistan on the other hand, have just beaten the World Champions quite convincingly. They'll be looking to cause yet another upset. They are a dangerous side and might just enjoy these conditions here in Chennai. If they play to their potential this should be a close encounter. Toss and teams in a bit.

It is time for match 16 of the 2023 World Cup and the action shifts to Chennai. It is a clash between Afghanistan and New Zealand. With two sides high in confidence, this should be a cracker of a game.

... Match Day ...

Match number 16 is upon us and it will be New Zealand going up against Afghanistan in Chennai in what is expected to be an exciting clash. The Kiwis have continued their form from the last World Cup and are making their way bravely through the league stages. They have already emerged triumphant against England, Netherlands, and Bangladesh without breaking a sweat. The setback they received in the last game is that Kane Williamson suffered a fracture on his thumb after he was hit by a throw while running and is ruled out for the coming fixtures but might make a return towards the end. Will Young might get a chance in the playing 11. Their bowling unit is troubling the batters with the likes of Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson all being equally involved. The batting unit has also proven to be dependable even in the absence of Kane Williamson. Devon Conway started off the World Cup with a strong 152-run knock against England. Rachin Ravindra is at his best after being promoted up the order. He is turning out to be the find of the season. He already has a century and a half-century in this tournament. Will Young also seems to have found his form with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham supporting down the order. All in all, this is a team that is looking very strong and certainly, one of the contenders to fight for the top 4 spots on the points table. Afghanistan had started their campaign with a couple of losses with some poor performances but bounced back strongly, upsetting the reigning champions England after the Afghans clinched a 69-run win over them. The team seems to have found their form back. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is brilliant at the top of the order and is scoring some quick runs. Ibrahim Zadran on the other hand seems to be struggling a bit and the Afghans will hope he gets back to form. The skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi had a good outing against India and built a good partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai but in a losing cause. They must have gained a lot of confidence from that match as they got their first win in the next one. The spin wizards, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan have also found their rhythm and clinched 6 wickets among them. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are taking the pace attack to the batters and need to take timely wickets. Their performance in the last match has helped them gain the necessary momentum for the rest of their campaign. It is a big challenge for them to occupy a place amongst the top 4 on the table but this team has the potential to cause massive upsets. Will the Black Caps continue their win streak or will the Afghans pull out another win from the hat? The answers lie in Chennai as excitement builds for this 'now' high-octane clash.