New Zealand and Afghanistan clashed in opposition to one another within the thrilling sixteenth match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The encounter unfolded on the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Having gained the toss, the Afghans invited their opponents, the Black Caps, to bat first.
New Zealand’s commendable efficiency with the bat
Within the first innings, Devon Conway began strongly however was given out controversially, just for the choice to be overturned after a profitable assessment. Will Younger and Rachin Ravindra fashioned a promising second-wicket partnership, including 79 runs. Younger scored 54 runs and capitalized on a dropped catch.
All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai had an explosive begin with the ball, taking two fast wickets in his first over dismissing Ravindra and Younger within the twenty first over. Rashid Khan eliminated Daryl Mitchell within the subsequent over, leaving New Zealand at 110/4.
The Kiwi innings have been then rebuilt by Glenn Phillips (71 off 80) and skipper Tom Latham (68 off 74), who batted sensibly and crafted a invaluable 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket, offering stability and a aggressive complete of 288/6 in 50 overs.
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Mitchell Santner’s gorgeous catch to dismiss Afghan skipper
The occasion unfolded on the ultimate supply of the 14th over within the second innings, when pacer Lockie Ferguson delivered a pointy, short-of-a-length ball into the pitch. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, tried a robust pull shot, nevertheless it resulted in a high edge. What adopted was nothing wanting spectacular as Mitchell Santner, together with his unbelievable athleticism, plucked the ball seemingly out the air with only one hand. His gorgeous catch showcased his outstanding fielding abilities and gave New Zealand a big breakthrough within the recreation. It was a game-changing second that left spectators in awe and additional intensified the drama on the sphere.