‘Waah kya fielding kar rhe hai’ – Fans react as Afghanistan showcase sloppy fielding against New Zealand in ODI World Cup 2023

In their fourth ODI World Cup 2023 match, New Zealand is facing Afghanistan in Chennai. The Kiwis enter the game with an undefeated record, having secured victories over England, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Commencing the tournament with a win against England, New Zealand continued their winning streak against the Netherlands and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, following back-to-back losses to Bangladesh and India, bounced back with a convincing 69-run victory over England in New Delhi. Hasmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bowl first, maintaining an unchanged team. With regular skipper Kane Williamson mostly ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to injury, Tom Latham once again assumed the captaincy. Additionally, Will Young joined the team for this crucial encounter.

Sloppy fielding cost Afghanistan

Afghanistan showcased excellent cricket in their 69-run victory over England on Sunday, displaying exceptional bowling and fielding prowess while defending their total. However, the narrative took a turn on Wednesday, witnessing a stark contrast as Afghanistan faced a series of dropped catches and misfields, at times bordering on the comical, resulting in easy singles being conceded. Opting to bat first, New Zealand concluded their innings at 288 for 6 in 50 overs. The breakthrough for Afghanistan came when Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Devon Conway for 20. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra then forged an 89-run partnership for the second wicket.

The momentum shifted with the introduction of Azmatullah, who first dismissed Ravindra for 32. The right-arm medium pacer went on to claim a significant wicket, removing Will Young for 54 runs off 64 balls. Rashid Khan secured the fourth wicket, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for 1, as the Kiwis slumped from 109/1 to 110/4.

Kiwi skipper Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips then orchestrated a rescue effort, adding 144 runs for the 5th wicket in less than 23 overs. Phillips led the scoring with 71 runs from 80 balls, featuring 4 fours and 4 sixes, while Tom Latham contributed 68 runs from 74 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes, enabling New Zealand to reach a competitive total of 288.

Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this fielding effort from Afghanistan;

Horrible fielding from Afghanistan, similar to what Australia did against South Africa. #NZvAFG

— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) October 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/CricCrazyNIKS/status/1714608825209409875

Afghanistan players are dropping simple catches. With this level of fielding, they don't deserve to win this match.#NZvAFG

— BabluMinati (@BabluMinati) October 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/sydhsmt/status/1714622391265972242

Afghanistan were good with the ball whilst bowling not so while catching/fielding. They’ve let New Zealand off the hook big time #NZvAFG

— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) October 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/alooparanthah/status/1714620142024548387

Afghanistan have left their fielding in Delhi. #NZVsAfg

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 18, 2023

Afghanistan Fielding Added Extra 100 Runs On New Zealand's Scoreboard

— Hafeez Tareen (@hafeeztrn) October 18, 2023

That's very poor fielding from Afghanistan. They have dropped 4 simple catches so far. #NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/0GkXha9ZrX

— Imtiaz (@Imtiazbahar) October 18, 2023