‘Ek din jeetenge toh bahot acche aur harenge toh bhi bahot acche se’ – Fans react as New Zealand thrash Afghanistan by 149 runs

Match number 16 of the ODI World Cup 2023 saw the runner-up of the 2019 edition of the World Cup, New Zealand taking on Afghanistan at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Afghanistan arrived in Chennai on the back of a convincing 69-run victory over England in their previous game. On the other hand, New Zealand came into the game as an unbeaten side in the tournament so far.

Despite the high expectations at the beginning of the game on Wednesday, the outcome was decidedly one-sided. The Kiwis secured a resounding victory over Afghanistan by an impressive margin of 149 runs, marking their fourth consecutive win. This triumph also propelled New Zealand past India to claim the top spot in the points table. With this win the New Zealand side climbed to the top of the points table. In addition to it, this is also the fourth straight win for the Kiwis.

Tom Latham reassumed the role of skipper, stepping in for the injured Kane Williamson, who sustained an injury in the previous match against Bangladesh. Winning the toss, Afghanistan’s Hasmatullah Shahidi opted to field on a hot and humid day in Chennai. Notably, Williamson was replaced by Will Young in the Kiwi lineup.

Afghanistan’s dismal batting show

In pursuit of 289 for victory, Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to make an impact with the bat, being dismissed for just 11. Ibrahim Zadran also departed cheaply, falling to Boult for a mere 14 runs. Despite contributions from Rahmat Shah with 36 and Azmatullah with 27, none of the Afghan batters delivered substantial performances.

Even the typically reliable and productive lower order for Afghanistan struggled to make an impact with the bat. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, consistently the standout bowler, reaffirmed his prowess with yet another 3-wicket haul on Wednesday. Lockie Ferguson also played a significant role, picking up three wickets to dent the Afghan team. Earlier in the day, Will Young notched his second half-century of the ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, scoring 54 runs from 64 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Rachin Ravindra contributed well, scoring 32 runs from 41 balls with 2 fours and a six.

After losing three quick wickets with just 1 run on the board, Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham formed a crucial partnership. The duo amassed 144 runs for the 5th wicket, with Phillips top-scoring with 71 runs. Tom Latham scored 68 runs, showcasing delightful shots to entertain the crowds. Afghanistan, initially at 106/4, suffered a collapse and was eventually bowled out for 139 runs. Lockie Ferguson emerged as the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 3/19 in his seven overs, while Santner also contributed with 3/39. Glenn Phillips received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding batting performance.

Let us look at how Twitter  has reacted to this dismal show from Afghanistan:

New Zealand is looking invincinbles right now even without Kane Williamson!!

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 18, 2023

4 out of 4 for NZ….Almost conferm there place in semi…..

— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) October 18, 2023

They have boosted their run rate. Bad decision by Shahidi to go for chase when he knew that they are good in defending and their batters struggle in chasing. Their main batter Gurbaz has worst records while bating 2nd

— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) October 18, 2023

New Zealand dominance at the world cup.

— Cricket Polls (@CricPollsdaily) October 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/ViratFan100/status/1714665299134632212

https://twitter.com/statsfeed_india/status/1714664742650802288

Miracles don't happen every day. Congratulations, New Zealand, for the wonderful victory! 👏🏻 💯

— Hamza Tariq (@_HamzaPro) October 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/ShaRo45264/status/1714664908367986963