ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 16th ODI - Who Said What?

In the 16th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand squared off against Afghanistan, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. The Afghan Atalans won the toss and elected to field first. When New Zealand were asked to bat, they went from a comfortable 109/1 in the 21st over, to a less reassuring 110/4, in a matter of just nine deliveries. Nonetheless, the stand-in captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips produced a remarkable recovery with a crucial partnership of 144 runs for the fifth wicket.

Their efforts were also aided by Afghanistan's fielding lapses, as they missed as many as six opportunities viz- five catches and a run-out chance. New Zealand amassed a total of 288/6 in their quota of 50 overs. Thereafter, in pursuit of the target, Afghanistan found themselves struggling from the start, with Matt Henry and Trent Boult dismissing both openers swiftly. Subsequently, the Afghan side continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, failing to pose any significant threat to the New Zealand bowling lineup.

Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson maintained their exceptional form, accounting for three wickets each. Only Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai provided a semblance of resistance before Afghanistan lost their last five wickets for a mere 14 runs in 24 deliveries, eventually being bowled out for 139 runs, resulting in a comprehensive 149-run defeat in Chennai. This triumph not only significantly improved New Zealand's net run rate but also solidified their position at the top of the tournament's points table.

POTM- Glenn Phillips said:

The Afghanistan spinners are incredibly talented and strong. Was really pleasing to see me and Tom go well in the middle after losing a few early. It was really good the way we batted here, especially on a dusty track here. Was great how we were able to take it down till the end and get the runs. We thought we’d be able to get 60 off the last 6 if we both were out there. The way Chapman and Santner finished it off was amazing. Thought that around 250 would’ve been par. We’re in an environment where we keep working for each other and play as a team. It’s about understanding what you can do for your mate and him understanding what he can do for you. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses really well..

Winning Skipper- Tom Latham said:

A pleasing start. Another great performance. We were put under pressure some times. The bowlers managed to take wickets when it was needed. We had lost three wickets in a short span of time. We thought of regrouping. They bowled fantastically well. We managed to capitalize. Glenn played a fantastic knock. The first 10 overs were superb. Mitch Santner coming in and doing his job. Pleasing all-round performance. I guess on the back of some good performances, it is pleasing. We have India and then Australia. Hopefully, the momentum will continue..

Losing skipper- Hashmatullah Shahidi said:

At this level, you have to take those catches. The fielding was poor. We were a bit down because of that. Last six overs, a lot of runs scored by the NZ team. Before the 40th over, we dropped a couple of catches. We couldn't stop the set batters. We tried but failed. The toss I can say, you can't judge 100 percent when it comes to the pitch. The pitch was slow. We bowled well but the fielding was a concern for us. It will hurt us. We have more games to come. We will talk where we can improve and come back stronger in the next game.