World Cup 2023, NZ vs AFG [WATCH]: Mitchell Santner bowls a ripper to send back Mohammad Nabi

In a commanding performance in Match 16 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023,  New Zealand secured a resounding victory, defeating Afghanistan by a substantial margin of 149 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The win propelled them to the pinnacle of the points table, boasting a flawless record of four victories in as many matches.

New Zealand showcased their supremacy by outclassing Afghanistan in every aspect of the game, with a particular highlight being their exceptional fielding, which ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in this match.

Glenn Phillips shines bright in New Zealand’s batting

Earlier in the match, after winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first. The Kiwi innings had a promising start, with opener Devon Conway contributing 20 runs from 18 balls. The middle order then took charge, with Will Young impressively notching up 54 runs off 64 deliveries, while Rachin Ravindra added 32 runs from 41 balls. However, their momentum was disrupted, and they struggled at 110/4.

The turning point of the innings came when skipper Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips joined forces. Their partnership for the fifth wicket, worth a substantial 144 runs, profoundly impacted the game. Latham scored 68 runs off 74 balls, while Phillips played a crucial role by playing a knock of 71 runs off 80 deliveries. Mark Chapman provided the finishing touch, remaining unbeaten with a quickfire 25 runs off just 12 balls. With the contributions of these key players, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 288/6 in 50 overs.

Dominating performance with the ball

New Zealand’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, proving a formidable force in front of Afghanistan’s batting. Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner stood out, each claiming three wickets. Spearheading the attack, Trent Boult also contributed with a couple of wickets to his name, further adding to Afghan’s batting woes. Matt Henry and Ravindra chipped in with a wicket apiece, demonstrating the depth of New Zealand’s bowling arsenal. The collective effort showcased New Zealand’s great bowling abilities, as they consistently applied pressure and effectively dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Also WATCH: World Cup 2023, NZ vs AFG – Azmatullah Omarzai claims two wickets in a single over

Santner’s magical delivery to Mohammad Nabi

In the 31st over, during the fourth delivery, Santner delivered a precise length ball aimed for the leg stump line, and with remarkable skill, the ball gripped the surface and spun away sharply. The crafty delivery left Mohammad Nabi bewildered as he attempted a forward defensive stroke but failed to connect with the ball entirely, narrowly escaping the outside edge of his bat and shattering the stumps.

Here is the video:

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