Cricket Scorecard

Finish
ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024
team1Flag
NZ
75/10
15.2 Ovs
VS
team2Flag
AFG
159/6
20 Ovs
Afghanistan beat New Zealand by 84 runs

AFGHANISTAN

Batsmen
RB4s6sSR
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (W)
805655142.86
b Trent Boult
Ibrahim Zadran
444132107.32
b Matt Henry
Azmatullah Omarzai
221312169.23
c Lockie Ferguson b Matt Henry
Mohammad Nabi
01000.00
c Kane Williamson b Lockie Ferguson
Rashid Khan (C)
6510120.00
run out (Devon Conway / Trent Boult)
Karim Janat
1100100.00
not out
Gulbadin Naib
02000.00
c Glenn Phillips b Trent Boult
Najibullah Zadran
1100100.00
not out
Noor Ahmad
00000.00
Naveen-ul-Haq
00000.00
Fazalhaq Farooqi
00000.00
Fall Of Wickets:
5-156-(Rahmanullah Gurbaz (W) 19.2 ov)
1-103-(Ibrahim Zadran 14.3 ov)
2-127-(Azmatullah Omarzai 17 ov)
3-136-(Mohammad Nabi 17.4 ov)
4-156-(Rashid Khan (C) 19.1 ov)
-(Karim Janat ov)
6-158-(Gulbadin Naib 19.5 ov)
-(Najibullah Zadran ov)
-(Noor Ahmad ov)
-(Naveen-ul-Haq ov)
-(Fazalhaq Farooqi ov)
Bowlers
OMRWEcon
Trent Boult
402225.50
Matt Henry
403729.25
Mitchell Santner
402406.00
Michael Bracewell
302709.00
Lockie Ferguson
402817.00
Daryl Mitchell
1016016.00

NEW ZEALAND

Batsmen
RB4s6sSR
Finn Allen
01000.00
b Fazalhaq Farooqi
Devon Conway (W)
8101080.00
c Ibrahim Zadran b Fazalhaq Farooqi
Kane Williamson (C)
9131069.23
c Gulbadin Naib b Rashid Khan
Daryl Mitchell
5510100.00
c Rahmanullah Gurbaz b Fazalhaq Farooqi
Glenn Phillips
181820100.00
c Rashid Khan b Mohammad Nabi
Mark Chapman
470057.14
b Rashid Khan
Michael Bracewell
01000.00
lbw b Rashid Khan
Mitchell Santner
480050.00
b Mohammad Nabi
Matt Henry
12170170.59
c Karim Janat b Fazalhaq Farooqi
Lockie Ferguson
250040.00
c & b Rashid Khan
Trent Boult
370042.86
not out
Fall Of Wickets:
1-0-(Finn Allen 0.1 ov)
2-18-(Devon Conway (W) 2.4 ov)
4-33-(Kane Williamson (C) 6.1 ov)
3-28-(Daryl Mitchell 4.2 ov)
7-53-(Glenn Phillips 9.4 ov)
5-43-(Mark Chapman 8.1 ov)
6-43-(Michael Bracewell 8.2 ov)
8-59-(Mitchell Santner 12 ov)
10-75-(Matt Henry 15.2 ov)
9-63-(Lockie Ferguson 13 ov)
-(Trent Boult ov)
Bowlers
OMRWEcon
Fazalhaq Farooqi
3.201745.10
Mohammad Nabi
401624.00
Naveen-ul-Haq
301003.33
Rashid Khan
401744.25
Noor Ahmad
1010010.00

New Zealand

75/10(15.2 Overs)

Right then! This is just above-par score in this conditions. The dew has started to kick in a bit!

We are back.

...THE CHASE...

Afghanistan would have loved another 10-15 runs here but this is a formidable score on a pitch which is not easy to bat on. Afghanistan were asked to bat first and the lady luck was with the Asian team as their openers made most of the chances given and builded a 100-runs stand. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz targeted a couple of bowlers and scored at a good rate but at multiple times where Afghanistan went a few overs without a boundary and if you see the overall score, and the runs

Afghanistan's man of the moment, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is in for a chat. He says that considering the bowling they have, this is a good total and he is happy with it. Shares that it was not easy at the start against the spinners. Adds that their plan was to play safely against Santner and charge other bowlers.

A tale of two halves really for the Kiwis. They will be happy with how they ended with the ball but boy, that was some school-match stuff from New Zealand. There was so much action in the powerplay, firstly the luck wasnt their side but on the contrasting side, they didn't take their chances. a drop catch, a run out chance, an LBW decision overturned, then Lockie Ferguson trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 8th over but they didn't took the review as they thought there was an edge, close to ha

Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Wow! How rare is this? Just 3 runs off the final over in a T20 game. Sensational stuff from Trent Boult. This is full and angling into the left-hander from over the wicket, Najibullah Zadran looks to play at it but gets an inside edge that goes down to deep fine leg. Just a single off it then. Afghanistan finish with 159 on the board!

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! It has been all New Zealand in this last over! Second wicket of the night for Boult!

Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Dishes it out on a fullish length, on middle and leg, Karim Janat whips but gets an inside edge onto the boot and the batters cross as the ball rolls away on the off side.

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Leg bye! Full and straight from Boult from over the wicket, Gulbadin Naib clears his front leg to swipe across the line but misses as the ball hits him on the front pad before going on to hit the back leg. The batters cross as the ball rolls on the off side. New Zealand take the review but the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside leg.

New Zealand have taken a review for LBW. That is clearly pitching outside leg. Not out it is.

Gulbadin Naib comes in next.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CASTLED! Cracking yorker and it had to take something special to get rid of Gurbaz.

Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! Rahmanullah Gurbaz needs the strike and Rashid Khan has to sacrifice! Digs it out on a fullish length, angling away, on off, Rashid Khan jams his bat down but fials to dig it out. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off but Rashid is late to react. Devon Conway releases the throw back to Boult who does the rest by taking the bails off at the bowling end.

Trent Boult to bowl the final over.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Thumped down the ground! A maximum to the start the over and a maximum to end it too from Gurbaz. Width on offer on off and it is a slot-ball, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays low to make the connection and swings through the line. Smokes it back over the bowler's head for six more. 16 runs off the over.

Daryl Mitchell to Rashid Khan, 1 run.

Halt! A quick concussion test going on as Rashid Khan gets hit on the helmet. He looks fine and ready to go.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, At 121.2 kph, on a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags the shot to deep mid-wicket. A cry of anguish from Gurbaz as he thought he missed out there. Just a single off it then.

Daryl Mitchell to Rashid Khan, Oh, dear! That has deflected onto the helmet! Mitchell rolls his fingers over the ball and it is short as well, on middle, Rashid Khan crouches as he goes for the pull but fails to ride the bounce. Gets a top edge that hits him onto the helmet. The batters cross as the ball rolls on the off side.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, More like it from Mitchell! Takes all the pace off and goes short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz mistimes the pull in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! The gamble to give Daryl Mitchell the penultimate over has not started well for New Zealand. Mitchell serves it right in the slot, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is deep in his crease and he does not miss out. Tonks it over long on for a biggie.

Lockie Ferguson to Rashid Khan, Gets the ball to skid through, short and wide on off, Rashid Khan throws his hands at it but fails to connect. A successful over for Ferguson as he finishes with figures of 4-0-28-1.

Lockie Ferguson to Rashid Khan, ! Streaky but Rashid Khan is away! Hurls it on a back of a length, outside off, Rashid Khan throws the kitchen sink at it but gets beaten for pace.  Gets an outside edge that races down to deep third for a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, ! TAKEN! Golden duck for Mohammad Nabi and finally, Lockie Ferguson gets the reward. Ferguson misses his mark again as he dishes out a full toss, on off, Mohammad Nabi was better off playing this one straight but closes the bat face to work it across the line. Gets a leading edge that lobs tamely towards mid off where Kane Williamson does the rest. A soft dismissal.

Rashid Khan comes to the middle.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ferguson nails the yorker, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across a bit and clips it through square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Up and over and it almost went the distance! Ferguson goes for the change up but slips out a low full toss, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz holds his shape and spanks it over mid off for four more runs.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Lockie Ferguson gets greeted back into the attack with a boundary. This is on a hard length, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shimmies down the track and hits it back over the bowler's head. Daryl Mitchell at long on, slides to his left but fails to cut it off. Should have done better there Mitchell.

Mohammad Nabi is the new man in.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Matt Henry has the last laugh but it was a useful hand from Omarzai. Rolls his fingers over the ball and lands it full, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai moves leg side and shapes up to go big on the off side. He does not have any pace to work with and ends up slicing it in the air towards deep cover where Lockie Ferguson takes it.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! Clean as a whistle! Azmatullah Omarzai is keeping the momentum going for Afghanistan.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Sees the batter back away and follows him does Henry, slower as well, on a short of a good length, Azmatullah Omarzai tries to cut but gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! High and handsome!

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nearly sneaked through! At pace, on a good length, at the stumps, Azmatullah Omarzai stays leg side of the ball to work it across the line. Gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Digs it in short but takes pace off, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good running! Slows it up and drags the length back, on middle and leg, Azmatullah Omarzai goes on the back foot and places it with soft hands in front of long on for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! That is a shot and a half! A bit quicker and fuller, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai backs away and opens his shoulders up. Carves it over cover for a boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Coming in with the arm, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai does enogh to cover the line of the ball and defends it out on the off side.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Very full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet and swats it to long on for a run.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Spears it in, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it down to long off for a single.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, A length ball, outside off, Omarzai slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, BEAUTY! Short of a length and close to the off pole. Omarzai looks to defend this one but misses.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short and on the hips. Omarzai tickes it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! CHOPPED ON! Finally, somethings goes New Zealand's way! 

Halt! Ibrahim Zadran cops a blow on the grill on his helmet and the physio is out to perform the mandatory concussion check. Ibrahim is ready to resume.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty from Matt Henry!

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Falls between the Bermuda Triangle!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Clever bowling from Mitchell Santner!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flat and comes with the arm on leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back to pull but miscues it back on the deck.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it back to Mitchell Santner who misfields and allows a single. 100 up for Afghanistan!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, TWO RUNS! Too full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket. These two just challenged Glenn Phillips here while running between the wickets. 

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, A length ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Six!

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, New Zealand seriously are all over the place. Length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to deep point for a single. Rahmanullah Gurbaz wanted another one but was sent back. The throw goes flying past the bowler's end and they do get the second run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good comeback from Lockie Ferguson but still 10 runs off the over. A slower length ball on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it to cover for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another dot! Hard length delivery on middle, Gurbaz makes room and drops it to point.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and on off, off-cutter this time. Ibrahim Zadran chops it to the off side for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, ! That is best of the lot so far! Such a good looking shot! Length ball on middle, flick of the wrists from Ibrahim Zadran and he deposits it over square leg for a biggie.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, 2 runs.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Massive over! Bad from our side as we thought one of them will go aggressive but Afghanistan have opted for both to go bang, bang! Tad short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hammers it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent running! Flatter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran dabs it to short third man for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Clean from Ibrahim Zadran and 13 runs of three balls! Too full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran hits it with the turn over long on for a  maximum.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sweeps it to short fine leg for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Welcome boundary! Expect one of these two to go aggressive from here on. Flatter and on middle, not that shoRt but Rahmanullah Gurbaz played well as he went back to tonk it over square leg. Again, half-a-chance as Glenn Phillips got his hands on this one in the deep but fails to hold on to his left.

DRINKS! Well, you know who needs a minute or two to think what has gone past their face! New Zealand right! They look so far away from the contest, they are all over the place right now. Tell about run outs, dropped catches and not taking their chances. We could create an extended highlight of this 10 overs itself. For Afghanistan, they continue to ride their lady luck but more importantly they need these two to change gears now.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to long on for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Buzzers! New Zealand haven't been upto the mark in the field so far. Good-length delivery, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it right under his eyeline and pats it in front of point. Ibrahim Zadran gets across but Mark Chapman fires in a needless underarm throw at the batting end, allowing the batters to take an extra run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, ! That would have been a blinder had Kane Williamson pulled it off.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Make that four dots in a row! Pressure building on Ibrahim Zadran. Bends his back and digs it in short, over off and middle, Ibrahim Zadran clears his front leg and swings for the pull shot but the ball climbs on him and sails over the bat.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Three dots on the trot! Dishes it out on a fullish length, at 148.3 kph, on off, Ibrahim Zadran digs it out back to the bowler.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Alters his length as he bowls it on a good length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran covers the line and stabs it down on the off side.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Hurls it full and on the off pole, Ibrahim Zadran backs away and cracks the drive but it goes straight to point.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Keeps it at the stumps, on a short length, Ibrahim Zadran punches it with a straight bat to long on for a run. New Zealand have done well to pull things back, conceding just 8 runs off the last 3 overs.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slides on the pads from around the wicket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swipes this full delivery to deep backward square leg for one.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is flat and short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back and chops it away on the off side.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Tosses it up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran drives it firmly to long on for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitches it up, slanting in, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it nicely but straight to mid-wicket.

A run out appeal has been taken upstairs. Lockie Ferguson tries to get his boot across before the ball hits the stumps but the third umpire says no contact with the boot. 

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Close but not close enough! Takes pace off and lands it full, on middle, Gurbaz backs away and smacks it along the ground, straight at the stumps. The ball zips past Ferguson and does not nick his outstretched right boot. The ball shatters the stumps and rolls back to the bowler. Ferguson collects it and runs to pluck the middle stump. Ibrahim Zadran is backing up too far but dives in time to make his ground at the bowling end.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Steams in from over the wicket and hits the money straight away. Ful and angling in, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers the line of the ball and defends it out.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, A bit quicker and shorter, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran glides it nicely but can't get it past backward point. A quiet first over from Bracewell.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Gives the ball air and bowls it on off, full as well, Ibrahim Zadran eases it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Floats it up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the drive but miscues it back ot the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tosses it up, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track and drills it aerially to the left of the bowler for a single.

Change. Michael Bracewell is into the attack.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it through, on middle and leg, on a nagging length, punched straight to cover by Zadran.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Serves it right up, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran drives it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Four!

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Given LBW but Ibrahim Zadran has succesfully overturned it! New Zealand's delight is short-lived.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Oh, no! New Zealand are not helping themselves in the field here!

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A single to end the over! Could have had a wicket as well! Length and on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls for two and gets it easily! Length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks with soft hands to mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, On middle, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid on for a single.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, 2 runs.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Has Lockie Ferguson misjudged there! Was in the air for a while! Shorter and angling on the hips. Zadran looks to pull but mistimes it to short fine leg. Lockie Ferguson first goes back and then puts a late shift to go for the catch. Ends up taking it on a bounce.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and on leg. Zadran stays back and tries to defend but miscues it on the pitch. 

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, LEG BYES! Santner tails it on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick and it goes off the pads to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flighted full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it out back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mitchell Santner bowls it quick and this one holds a bit, on the middle and Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and knocks it to covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mitchell Santner tosses it up and tails it on middle and leg, slides on a lot. Rahmanullah Gurbaz prods to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but the finger stays down.

Change.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single now! Short in length and on the hips. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it to short fine leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, In the air and wide of Trent Boult! Ibrahim Zadran has not yet hit his strides here. Tad fuller and around off. Ibrahim Zadran punches on the up and to the left of Boult, it falls short of mid off for a single.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Leg bye.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Top nut from Boult! Just keeps chaning his lines and lengths here. A length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back to cut but misses.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, Fails to time here! Shorter and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran miscues his pull shot to square leg for a single.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Expensive over from Matt Henry but he has the Afghani openers on their toes all through. A good length delivery, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to defend but outside edges it just to the right of short third man and it races away.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Leg bye! Dropped? No, given as a leg bye! Short in length and on middle, wobbled seam and came with an angle. Ibrahim Zadran bends his back to ramp it over but goes off the arm to the right of the keeper. Devon Conway fails to hold on.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Much more in control! This will help his confidence a lot. Pitches it up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks on the up and over mid-wicket for a boundary. Afghanistan off to a bright start.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Off the edge! Third time lucky you reckon here. Touch fuller and comes with the angle on leg. Ibrahim Zadran opens his stance to heave but inside edges it well past the keeper and to fine leg.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, A huge shout for LBW but that was straying down. Again, Ibrahim Zadran is beaten for the pace. Twice now. Full and on the pads, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Matt Henry serves it on a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran is beaten for pace, tries to punch but splices his shot through point for a couple of runs. He is off the mark now.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Matt Henry.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A length ball, on middle, shapes in late here. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has his stumps covered as he blocks it out.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it in front of point.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! That is some shot! Excellent from Gurbaz! A length ball, outside off, enough width for Rahmanullah Gurbaz to hammer it past covers for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Past the outside edge! Expect Trent Boult to make it move in the start! A length ball, angled across Rahmanullah Gurbaz who tries to defend but does so inside the line.

We are done with the national anthems and are all set for the action to commence. The two umpires make their way out to the middle and the players of New Zealand join them. It will be the talented pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open the innings for Afghanistan. Trent Boult is at the top of his mark and he is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the first ball in this crucial Group C clash but before that, Kane Williamson and Rashid Khan will lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

PITCH REPORT - Katey Martin is pitchside. She starts by saying that a nice breeze is blowing across the ground. Informs that pitch number 2 will be used for this game, resulting in an 84-metre long straight boundary with 77 metres and 70 metres being the square boundaries. Simon Doull joins her and says that since back-to-back games are going to be played at this venue, the groundstaff have left a good amount of grass. Feels that the batters will be tested on this surface which will assist pacer

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan says they are happy to bat first, tells they want to play good cricket and get used to the conditions as quickly as possible. Tells they had a couple of rests day, they recovered after the last match and are ready for this big game. Informs Mujeeb Ur Rahman is out due to an injury and Noor Ahmad is back. Mentions Mujeeb Ur Rahman is struggling with the same injury and it is hard to understand how much time it will take.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

The captain of New Zealand, Kane Williamson says that they will bowl first. States that they want to make first use of the fresh surface and feels that there might be some dew around later. Tells that the preparation has been different as compared to other teams but have trained well over the past week and that they are looking forward to this game. Informs that Southee, Rachin, Sodhi and Neesham miss out and they are going with three frontline seamers.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and will BOWL.

Right then! This is just above-par score in this conditions. The dew has started to kick in a bit!

We are back.

...THE CHASE...

Afghanistan would have loved another 10-15 runs here but this is a formidable score on a pitch which is not easy to bat on. Afghanistan were asked to bat first and the lady luck was with the Asian team as their openers made most of the chances given and builded a 100-runs stand. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz targeted a couple of bowlers and scored at a good rate but at multiple times where Afghanistan went a few overs without a boundary and if you see the overall score, and the runs

Afghanistan's man of the moment, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is in for a chat. He says that considering the bowling they have, this is a good total and he is happy with it. Shares that it was not easy at the start against the spinners. Adds that their plan was to play safely against Santner and charge other bowlers.

A tale of two halves really for the Kiwis. They will be happy with how they ended with the ball but boy, that was some school-match stuff from New Zealand. There was so much action in the powerplay, firstly the luck wasnt their side but on the contrasting side, they didn't take their chances. a drop catch, a run out chance, an LBW decision overturned, then Lockie Ferguson trapped Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 8th over but they didn't took the review as they thought there was an edge, close to ha

Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Wow! How rare is this? Just 3 runs off the final over in a T20 game. Sensational stuff from Trent Boult. This is full and angling into the left-hander from over the wicket, Najibullah Zadran looks to play at it but gets an inside edge that goes down to deep fine leg. Just a single off it then. Afghanistan finish with 159 on the board!

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! It has been all New Zealand in this last over! Second wicket of the night for Boult!

Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Dishes it out on a fullish length, on middle and leg, Karim Janat whips but gets an inside edge onto the boot and the batters cross as the ball rolls away on the off side.

Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Leg bye! Full and straight from Boult from over the wicket, Gulbadin Naib clears his front leg to swipe across the line but misses as the ball hits him on the front pad before going on to hit the back leg. The batters cross as the ball rolls on the off side. New Zealand take the review but the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside leg.

New Zealand have taken a review for LBW. That is clearly pitching outside leg. Not out it is.

Gulbadin Naib comes in next.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! CASTLED! Cracking yorker and it had to take something special to get rid of Gurbaz.

Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, ! RUN OUT! Rahmanullah Gurbaz needs the strike and Rashid Khan has to sacrifice! Digs it out on a fullish length, angling away, on off, Rashid Khan jams his bat down but fials to dig it out. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sets off but Rashid is late to react. Devon Conway releases the throw back to Boult who does the rest by taking the bails off at the bowling end.

Trent Boult to bowl the final over.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Thumped down the ground! A maximum to the start the over and a maximum to end it too from Gurbaz. Width on offer on off and it is a slot-ball, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays low to make the connection and swings through the line. Smokes it back over the bowler's head for six more. 16 runs off the over.

Daryl Mitchell to Rashid Khan, 1 run.

Halt! A quick concussion test going on as Rashid Khan gets hit on the helmet. He looks fine and ready to go.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, At 121.2 kph, on a length, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags the shot to deep mid-wicket. A cry of anguish from Gurbaz as he thought he missed out there. Just a single off it then.

Daryl Mitchell to Rashid Khan, Oh, dear! That has deflected onto the helmet! Mitchell rolls his fingers over the ball and it is short as well, on middle, Rashid Khan crouches as he goes for the pull but fails to ride the bounce. Gets a top edge that hits him onto the helmet. The batters cross as the ball rolls on the off side.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, More like it from Mitchell! Takes all the pace off and goes short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz mistimes the pull in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Daryl Mitchell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! The gamble to give Daryl Mitchell the penultimate over has not started well for New Zealand. Mitchell serves it right in the slot, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is deep in his crease and he does not miss out. Tonks it over long on for a biggie.

Lockie Ferguson to Rashid Khan, Gets the ball to skid through, short and wide on off, Rashid Khan throws his hands at it but fails to connect. A successful over for Ferguson as he finishes with figures of 4-0-28-1.

Lockie Ferguson to Rashid Khan, ! Streaky but Rashid Khan is away! Hurls it on a back of a length, outside off, Rashid Khan throws the kitchen sink at it but gets beaten for pace.  Gets an outside edge that races down to deep third for a boundary.

Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Nabi, ! TAKEN! Golden duck for Mohammad Nabi and finally, Lockie Ferguson gets the reward. Ferguson misses his mark again as he dishes out a full toss, on off, Mohammad Nabi was better off playing this one straight but closes the bat face to work it across the line. Gets a leading edge that lobs tamely towards mid off where Kane Williamson does the rest. A soft dismissal.

Rashid Khan comes to the middle.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ferguson nails the yorker, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across a bit and clips it through square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Up and over and it almost went the distance! Ferguson goes for the change up but slips out a low full toss, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz holds his shape and spanks it over mid off for four more runs.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Lockie Ferguson gets greeted back into the attack with a boundary. This is on a hard length, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shimmies down the track and hits it back over the bowler's head. Daryl Mitchell at long on, slides to his left but fails to cut it off. Should have done better there Mitchell.

Mohammad Nabi is the new man in.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Matt Henry has the last laugh but it was a useful hand from Omarzai. Rolls his fingers over the ball and lands it full, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai moves leg side and shapes up to go big on the off side. He does not have any pace to work with and ends up slicing it in the air towards deep cover where Lockie Ferguson takes it.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! Clean as a whistle! Azmatullah Omarzai is keeping the momentum going for Afghanistan.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Sees the batter back away and follows him does Henry, slower as well, on a short of a good length, Azmatullah Omarzai tries to cut but gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! High and handsome!

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nearly sneaked through! At pace, on a good length, at the stumps, Azmatullah Omarzai stays leg side of the ball to work it across the line. Gets an inside edge back onto the pads.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Digs it in short but takes pace off, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good running! Slows it up and drags the length back, on middle and leg, Azmatullah Omarzai goes on the back foot and places it with soft hands in front of long on for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, ! That is a shot and a half! A bit quicker and fuller, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai backs away and opens his shoulders up. Carves it over cover for a boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Coming in with the arm, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai does enogh to cover the line of the ball and defends it out on the off side.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Very full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet and swats it to long on for a run.

Mitchell Santner to Azmatullah Omarzai, Spears it in, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it down to long off for a single.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, A length ball, outside off, Omarzai slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, BEAUTY! Short of a length and close to the off pole. Omarzai looks to defend this one but misses.

Matt Henry to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short and on the hips. Omarzai tickes it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai is in at number 3.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! CHOPPED ON! Finally, somethings goes New Zealand's way! 

Halt! Ibrahim Zadran cops a blow on the grill on his helmet and the physio is out to perform the mandatory concussion check. Ibrahim is ready to resume.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty from Matt Henry!

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Falls between the Bermuda Triangle!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. Clever bowling from Mitchell Santner!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flat and comes with the arm on leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back to pull but miscues it back on the deck.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drills it back to Mitchell Santner who misfields and allows a single. 100 up for Afghanistan!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, TWO RUNS! Too full and on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it with soft hands to deep mid-wicket. These two just challenged Glenn Phillips here while running between the wickets. 

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, A length ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it out.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Six!

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, New Zealand seriously are all over the place. Length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to deep point for a single. Rahmanullah Gurbaz wanted another one but was sent back. The throw goes flying past the bowler's end and they do get the second run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good comeback from Lockie Ferguson but still 10 runs off the over. A slower length ball on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it to cover for a single. 

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Another dot! Hard length delivery on middle, Gurbaz makes room and drops it to point.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Full and on off, off-cutter this time. Ibrahim Zadran chops it to the off side for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, ! That is best of the lot so far! Such a good looking shot! Length ball on middle, flick of the wrists from Ibrahim Zadran and he deposits it over square leg for a biggie.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, 2 runs.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Massive over! Bad from our side as we thought one of them will go aggressive but Afghanistan have opted for both to go bang, bang! Tad short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hammers it over mid-wicket for a maximum.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Excellent running! Flatter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran dabs it to short third man for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Clean from Ibrahim Zadran and 13 runs of three balls! Too full and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran hits it with the turn over long on for a  maximum.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sweeps it to short fine leg for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Welcome boundary! Expect one of these two to go aggressive from here on. Flatter and on middle, not that shoRt but Rahmanullah Gurbaz played well as he went back to tonk it over square leg. Again, half-a-chance as Glenn Phillips got his hands on this one in the deep but fails to hold on to his left.

DRINKS! Well, you know who needs a minute or two to think what has gone past their face! New Zealand right! They look so far away from the contest, they are all over the place right now. Tell about run outs, dropped catches and not taking their chances. We could create an extended highlight of this 10 overs itself. For Afghanistan, they continue to ride their lady luck but more importantly they need these two to change gears now.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to long on for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Buzzers! New Zealand haven't been upto the mark in the field so far. Good-length delivery, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it right under his eyeline and pats it in front of point. Ibrahim Zadran gets across but Mark Chapman fires in a needless underarm throw at the batting end, allowing the batters to take an extra run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, ! That would have been a blinder had Kane Williamson pulled it off.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Make that four dots in a row! Pressure building on Ibrahim Zadran. Bends his back and digs it in short, over off and middle, Ibrahim Zadran clears his front leg and swings for the pull shot but the ball climbs on him and sails over the bat.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Three dots on the trot! Dishes it out on a fullish length, at 148.3 kph, on off, Ibrahim Zadran digs it out back to the bowler.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Alters his length as he bowls it on a good length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran covers the line and stabs it down on the off side.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Hurls it full and on the off pole, Ibrahim Zadran backs away and cracks the drive but it goes straight to point.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Keeps it at the stumps, on a short length, Ibrahim Zadran punches it with a straight bat to long on for a run. New Zealand have done well to pull things back, conceding just 8 runs off the last 3 overs.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slides on the pads from around the wicket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swipes this full delivery to deep backward square leg for one.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is flat and short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back and chops it away on the off side.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Tosses it up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Lockie Ferguson to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran drives it firmly to long on for one.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitches it up, slanting in, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it nicely but straight to mid-wicket.

A run out appeal has been taken upstairs. Lockie Ferguson tries to get his boot across before the ball hits the stumps but the third umpire says no contact with the boot. 

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Close but not close enough! Takes pace off and lands it full, on middle, Gurbaz backs away and smacks it along the ground, straight at the stumps. The ball zips past Ferguson and does not nick his outstretched right boot. The ball shatters the stumps and rolls back to the bowler. Ferguson collects it and runs to pluck the middle stump. Ibrahim Zadran is backing up too far but dives in time to make his ground at the bowling end.

Lockie Ferguson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Steams in from over the wicket and hits the money straight away. Ful and angling in, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers the line of the ball and defends it out.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, A bit quicker and shorter, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran glides it nicely but can't get it past backward point. A quiet first over from Bracewell.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Gives the ball air and bowls it on off, full as well, Ibrahim Zadran eases it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Michael Bracewell to Ibrahim Zadran, Floats it up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran goes for the drive but miscues it back ot the bowler.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tosses it up, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track and drills it aerially to the left of the bowler for a single.

Change. Michael Bracewell is into the attack.

Michael Bracewell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it through, on middle and leg, on a nagging length, punched straight to cover by Zadran.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Serves it right up, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran drives it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Four!

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, Given LBW but Ibrahim Zadran has succesfully overturned it! New Zealand's delight is short-lived.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1 run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Oh, no! New Zealand are not helping themselves in the field here!

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A single to end the over! Could have had a wicket as well! Length and on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Calls for two and gets it easily! Length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks with soft hands to mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, On middle, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to mid on for a single.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, 2 runs.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Has Lockie Ferguson misjudged there! Was in the air for a while! Shorter and angling on the hips. Zadran looks to pull but mistimes it to short fine leg. Lockie Ferguson first goes back and then puts a late shift to go for the catch. Ends up taking it on a bounce.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and on leg. Zadran stays back and tries to defend but miscues it on the pitch. 

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four!

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, LEG BYES! Santner tails it on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his flick and it goes off the pads to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flighted full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it out back to the bowler.

Mitchell Santner to Ibrahim Zadran, 1 run.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mitchell Santner bowls it quick and this one holds a bit, on the middle and Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and knocks it to covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mitchell Santner tosses it up and tails it on middle and leg, slides on a lot. Rahmanullah Gurbaz prods to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but the finger stays down.

Change.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just a single now! Short in length and on the hips. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it to short fine leg for a single. 

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, In the air and wide of Trent Boult! Ibrahim Zadran has not yet hit his strides here. Tad fuller and around off. Ibrahim Zadran punches on the up and to the left of Boult, it falls short of mid off for a single.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Leg bye.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Top nut from Boult! Just keeps chaning his lines and lengths here. A length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes back to cut but misses.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, Fails to time here! Shorter and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran miscues his pull shot to square leg for a single.

Trent Boult to Ibrahim Zadran, No run.

Matt Henry to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Expensive over from Matt Henry but he has the Afghani openers on their toes all through. A good length delivery, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to defend but outside edges it just to the right of short third man and it races away.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Leg bye! Dropped? No, given as a leg bye! Short in length and on middle, wobbled seam and came with an angle. Ibrahim Zadran bends his back to ramp it over but goes off the arm to the right of the keeper. Devon Conway fails to hold on.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Much more in control! This will help his confidence a lot. Pitches it up on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks on the up and over mid-wicket for a boundary. Afghanistan off to a bright start.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, ! Off the edge! Third time lucky you reckon here. Touch fuller and comes with the angle on leg. Ibrahim Zadran opens his stance to heave but inside edges it well past the keeper and to fine leg.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, A huge shout for LBW but that was straying down. Again, Ibrahim Zadran is beaten for the pace. Twice now. Full and on the pads, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Matt Henry to Ibrahim Zadran, Matt Henry serves it on a length and around off, Ibrahim Zadran is beaten for pace, tries to punch but splices his shot through point for a couple of runs. He is off the mark now.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Matt Henry.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A length ball, on middle, shapes in late here. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has his stumps covered as he blocks it out.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, No run.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it in front of point.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! That is some shot! Excellent from Gurbaz! A length ball, outside off, enough width for Rahmanullah Gurbaz to hammer it past covers for a boundary.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 runs.

Trent Boult to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Past the outside edge! Expect Trent Boult to make it move in the start! A length ball, angled across Rahmanullah Gurbaz who tries to defend but does so inside the line.

We are done with the national anthems and are all set for the action to commence. The two umpires make their way out to the middle and the players of New Zealand join them. It will be the talented pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open the innings for Afghanistan. Trent Boult is at the top of his mark and he is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the first ball in this crucial Group C clash but before that, Kane Williamson and Rashid Khan will lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

PITCH REPORT - Katey Martin is pitchside. She starts by saying that a nice breeze is blowing across the ground. Informs that pitch number 2 will be used for this game, resulting in an 84-metre long straight boundary with 77 metres and 70 metres being the square boundaries. Simon Doull joins her and says that since back-to-back games are going to be played at this venue, the groundstaff have left a good amount of grass. Feels that the batters will be tested on this surface which will assist pacer

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan says they are happy to bat first, tells they want to play good cricket and get used to the conditions as quickly as possible. Tells they had a couple of rests day, they recovered after the last match and are ready for this big game. Informs Mujeeb Ur Rahman is out due to an injury and Noor Ahmad is back. Mentions Mujeeb Ur Rahman is struggling with the same injury and it is hard to understand how much time it will take.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

The captain of New Zealand, Kane Williamson says that they will bowl first. States that they want to make first use of the fresh surface and feels that there might be some dew around later. Tells that the preparation has been different as compared to other teams but have trained well over the past week and that they are looking forward to this game. Informs that Southee, Rachin, Sodhi and Neesham miss out and they are going with three frontline seamers.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and will BOWL.

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