James Neesham claimed his maiden five-wicket ODI haul and Kane Williamson smashed an unbeaten half-century as New Zealand thrashed Afghanistan by seven wickets in a World Cup game at Taunton on Saturday.
The Kiwis, despite losing Martin Guptill first ball of their innings, never looked in any serious trouble chasing a paltry 173 to win as Williamson and Ross Taylor shared a century partnership for the third wicket before getting home with more than 17 overs to spare.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s batting woes continued after their openers gave them a brisk start with Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran putting on 66 by the end of 11th over.
But ‘Man of the Match’ Neesham, who took his ODI career best 5-31, and Lockie Ferguson (4-37) then grabbed four wickets for four runs to reduce Afghanistan to 70-4.
The Afghans never recovered and lost wickets steadily before being bowled out for 172 with nearly ten overs to spare.
Brief scores: Afghanistan 172 in 41.1 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 59; Jimmy Neesham 5-31, Lockie Ferguson 4-37) lost to New Zealand 173/3 in 32.1 overs (Kane Williamson 79*; Aftab Alam 3-45) by seven wickets.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Fittingly, it was #KaneWilliamson who hit the winning runs. The skipper top-scored with an unbeaten 79 (99), leading his side to a comfortable victory over Afghanistan in Taunton #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/M9eTpk9w1v
— ICC (@ICC) June 8, 2019
As calm as he could be! 🙌
Skipper #KaneWilliamson led from the front in New Zealand's chase vs Afghanistan!#CWC19 #AFGvNZ #RisersAtCWC19 #OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/eAARxdlOTM
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 9, 2019
Last three ODI innings from Kane Williamson:
▶️ 73* (today)
▶️ 40
▶️ 65*He has also faced 20,000 deliveries in international cricket now! pic.twitter.com/3L09V0CtDw
— ICC (@ICC) June 8, 2019
🤝WELL PLAYED 🤝 Captain Kane leads off after an unbeaten 79*, the BLACKCAPS are building a website to start their @cricketworldcup campaign WWW #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC19 #cricket pic.twitter.com/ZmOQRtFSfv
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 8, 2019
Class effort! Superb supporting role from Lockie Ferguson with 4-31 also! #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC19 #NZvAFG #cricket pic.twitter.com/gyjxoDPCHN
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 8, 2019
Afghanistan cleaned up for 172 after being 66-0 at one stage, all thanks to an incisive spell by James Neesham!https://t.co/eZjjgKKAf3#AFGvNZ #NZvAFG #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/VWnt2S6m4V
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 8, 2019
9 wickets between James Neesham and Lockie Ferguson, combined with an unbeaten 79 from #KaneWilliamson saw New Zealand overcome Afghanistan in Taunton.
They now have 3⃣ wins in as many games, and remain at the apex of #CWC19 standings!
SCORECARD ▶️ https://t.co/Uv5e1IteWj pic.twitter.com/luZycgwCVJ
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 8, 2019
All class from Kane Williamson when Rashid got hit by Ferguson.
— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) June 8, 2019
Kane Williamson was quick enough to check if Rashid Khan is fine. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/xM6yg7ZRwR
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 8, 2019