Twitter Reactions: Ferguson, Phillips shine as New Zealand outclass Afghanistan to keep their unbeaten run in ODI World Cup 2023

In the 16th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand clashed with Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Afghanistan won the toss and opted to field first. The game kicked off with an early setback for New Zealand as Devon Conway fell to Mujeeb Ur Rahman's mystery spin. But then, a steady partnership emerged between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. It appeared as though they were stabilizing the ship, yet Azmatullah Omarzai had other plans, dismissing both batters in the same over.

The Kiwis faced another blow as Daryl Mitchell gave his wicket to Rashid Khan's crafty leg spin, leaving them at 110/4. However, the stand-in captain, Tom Latham, came to the rescue, partnering with Glenn Phillips to rebuild the innings. New Zealand found some respite amidst dropped catches and wayward bowling by Afghanistan's death bowlers. The fifth-wicket partnership between Glenn Phillips (71) and Tom Latham (68) was pivotal, propelling the Kiwis to a competitive total of 288.

Afghanistan never seemed to be in contention in their pursuit of this target. New Zealand's Matt Henry and Trent Boult swiftly dismissed the Afghan openers. The Afghan team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and posed no real threat to the Kiwi bowling lineup.

The pitch clearly favoured the bowlers, and New Zealand's bowlers capitalized on it. Afghanistan were eventually bundled out for a mere 139 runs in 34.4 overs, resulting in a resounding 149-run victory for New Zealand. Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson shone with three wickets each, while Boult contributed with two, securing an easy win for the Kiwis.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI Cricket World Cup 2023

Here is how 'X' reacted to New Zealand's emphatic win: 

AFG’s bowling decision did not turn good
Became A one sided match!!!#AFGvNZ

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) October 18, 2023

What an incredible team New Zealand is. Won’t be surprised if it’s India v NZ in the finals. Really early call…let’s see how it eventually unfolds. #CWC23

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 18, 2023

Said it before the toss afghans should bat. Under pressure batting is different. Well played new Zealnd. Looks like the team to beat. #AFGvNZ

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 18, 2023

What a catch #mitchsantner Santa . Feeling at home 🦁 den @ChennaiIPL

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 18, 2023

New Zealand is way ahead halfway of this game. #NZvAFG

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 18, 2023

Composure under pressure. Nice start from the @BLACKCAPS after a fighting start from @ACBofficials #ICCWorldCup2023

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) October 18, 2023

New Zealand knows the process of winning matches, though I voted for Afghanistan in #zorkajor but New Zealand knows the trick. No upset coming up 😉#zorkajor #Cricket #NZVsAfg https://t.co/Lm4rjx5bos

— Mushtaq Ahmed (@Mushy_online) October 18, 2023

Sensational bowling by @AzmatOmarzay and @rashidkhan_19! 👏🏾Three quick wickets, shifting the momentum for Afghanistan! #CWC23 #NZvAFG

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 18, 2023

Hint of reverse swing. Wickets falling to spin too. Afghanistan is in control of this match now. #CWC23 #NZVsAfg

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 18, 2023

Afghanistan have left their fielding in Delhi. #NZVsAfg

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 18, 2023