New Zealand vs Afghanistan World Cup 2023: NZ wins by 149 runs over AFG

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Trent Boult and Matt Henry struck early in the 289-run chase as Afghanistan lost openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran cheaply. Following their dismissals, the two pacers combined to bowl three consecutive maidens, giving Afghanistan a total of 28/2 in the first ten overs.

Lockie Ferguson then delivered a third blow while removing Hashmatullah Shahidi for 8 minutes (29). Trent Boult and Ferguson combined for five wickets as the Kiwi bowlers ensured Afghanistan's batting collapse at the Chepauk.

Earlier, Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips each hit half-centuries to enable New Zealand amass 288/6 in 50 overs.

Latham hit 68(74), while Phillips hit 71(80) before being bowled by Naveen-ul-Haq in the same over.

Poor fielding also aided New Zealand to some extent, as Afghanistan squandered numerous chances during the innings. Mark Chapman then made a late appearance, hitting 25 off 12 deliveries.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman gave Afghanistan a good start after winning the toss and inviting New Zealand to bat first in Wednesday's World Cup match in Chennai. He caught Devon Conway LBW for 20(18), but his fielding was a little off.

Will Young and Rachin Ravindra were dropped early in the innings before Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets in his first over, causing a mini-collapse. Afghanistan named an identical starting XI, while New Zealand named Young in place of Kane Williamson, who is out due to a fracture in his left thumb.

Afghanistan are hoping to make it two wins in a row after defeating defending champions England by 69 runs in a spin-friendly Chepauk. New Zealand, on the other hand, entered the competition with a convincing win over Bangladesh.

The Kiwis are hoping to keep their perfect record. A victory over Afghanistan will propel New Zealand into first place, which is presently held by India.