In a captivating display of cricketing prowess, New Zealand emerged victorious, securing a resounding 149-run win over Afghanistan in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

New Zealand’s journey to this impressive victory began with a rocky start, finding themselves at 110/4 after a trio of swift wickets had derailed their initial solid foundation. However, the Kiwis demonstrated resilience and skill, with Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham stepping up to the plate with remarkable half-centuries.

Their phenomenal partnership, amounting to 144 runs, played a pivotal role in propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 288/6. It’s worth noting that Afghanistan’s chances were marred by some careless fielding, which further aided New Zealand’s cause.

The tale of this match took an intriguing turn as Afghanistan took to the crease to chase down the target. However, New Zealand’s pace bowlers exhibited their mettle, consistently taking wickets and applying immense pressure.

Among these bowlers, Mitchell Santner’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, both with the ball and in the field. His exceptional contributions left an indelible mark on the game, making him a standout performer.

Ultimately, Afghanistan found themselves restricted to a modest total of 139 in just 34.4 overs, succumbing to New Zealand’s unwavering determination and superb teamwork. This victory serves as a testament to New Zealand’s resilience and adaptability, even in the face of adversity, making them a formidable force in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.