New Zealand thrash Afghanistan by 149 runs

New Zealand on Wednesday thrashed Afghanistan by 149 runs in the 16th match of the World Cup 2023.

The match between the two teams was played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India.

New Zealand posted 288-6 in 50 overs, setting Afghanistan a 289-run target to win.

Afghanistan vs Newzealand Live Score Updates – Cricket World Cup 2023

Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham and Will Young scored half centuries as Afghanistan paid a heavy price for five dropped catches.

Phillips hit 71 off 80 balls, Latham 68 off 74 and opener Young 54 off 64 balls to lift New Zealand from a precarious 110-4 after they were sent in to bat on a slow pitch.

Mark Chapman fired a rapid 25 off 12 balls with two fours and a six as New Zealand scored 62 runs in the last five overs.

Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan, but his 36 runs occupied 62 balls before his team were dismissed for just 139 in 34.4 overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai was the second top-scorer for Afghanistan with 27 runs.

It is to be noted here that New Zealand have registered their fourth consecutive win in the World Cup 2023 while Afghanistan have been handed down their third defeat of the tournament.