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Afghanistan vs New Zealand Live Commentary, Match 13, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 8, 2019

AFG 172/10 (41.1)
New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets
NZ 173/3 (32.1)
Match over
Afghanistan Inning New Zealand Inning
0.0 : Hello and welcome to the coverage of the second game of the double header! Afghanistan take on New Zealand in Taunton. This is the first game played on this venue this World Cup. Afghanistan would hope a change in venue brings in a change a fortune for them as they need a win here or qualifying into the knockout stage would be very difficult. They though start as second favourites against a Kiwi side which will be eager to make it 3 in 3. Anything other than that can surely be considered as an u
TOSS - Up goes the coin... Kane Williamson calls tails and it lands in his favour. NEW ZEALAND WILL BOWL FIRST!
Kane Williamson says it looks like a fresh and a good wicket and overhead conditions also influences his decision. He hopes to get something out of the wicket first up. Mentions they are expecting a tight match against a fresh side on a new surface and a new ground. States it was nice to get across the line the other night and such things enables them to learn new things. Informs everything is on track and no changes for them today.
Gulbadin Naib says he would have wanted to bat first anyway as it looks a good wicket. They need to play positive cricket and forget what happened in the previous games. Informs they have three changes with Dawlat Zadran is resting, Aftab Alam coming in and then Noor Ali Zadran as well. (Forgets the other names but we have got them for you - Mujeeb goes out for Ikram Ali Khil and Noor Ali Zadran replaces Mohammad Shahzad). Ends by saying they have to start well and then see how it goes.
New Zealand (UNCHANGED PLAYING XI) - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (WK), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan (PLAYING XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran (IN FOR MOHAMMAD SHAHZAD), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib (C), Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil (WK) (IN FOR MUJEEB UR RAHMAN), Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam (IN FOR DAWLAT ZADRAN), Hamid Hassan.
The teams are out for their respective National Anthems!
The national anthems are done and dusted and we are ready for the game to begin. The Kiwis get into a huddle. Out come the Afghan openers. Noor Ali Zadran and Hazrat Zazai. Matt Henry it will be to start with the first new ball.
0.1 : M Henry to H Zazai, Starts off right on the money! Length and on off, Zazai defends it onto the ground.
0.2 : M Henry to H Zazai, Another length delivery and on off, no sign of swing early on. Zazai easily keeps it out.
0.3 : M Henry to H Zazai, FOUR! Off the mark in style is Zazai! Short and on the body, Zazai helps it on its way to the fine leg fence. First of the game. Poor delivery after two good balls.
0.4 : M Henry to H Zazai, EDGY FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Fortunate one. Length and outside off, Zazai hangs his bat out but the ball flies off the outside edge and goes over the first slip fielder for a boundary.
0.5 : M Henry to H Zazai, FOUR! Hammered! This is right off the middle. Short and on middle, Zazai hangs back and powers the pull past mid-wicket and the ball races away. Three in a row!
0.6 : M Henry to H Zazai, BEATEN! A good nut to end but a good first over for Afghanistan! Length on off and it moves away after pitching. Zazai hangs his bat out again and gets beaten.
Trent Boult to bowl with the second new ball.
1.1 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Nothing much first up. Full and just outside off, angling away, left alone.
1.2 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, Noor Ali looks to defend but then wants to leave at the last moment. The ball goes off the outside edge past the second slip fielder towards third man. A single taken.
1.3 : T Boult to H Zazai, Full and down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg for a run.
1.4 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, pushed through the covers for a couple.
1.5 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, On a good length around leg, tucked towards short mid-wicket.
1.6 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Full and around off, pushed towards mid off.
2.1 : M Henry to H Zazai, Length delivery outside off, Zazai plays it to point.
2.2 : M Henry to H Zazai, A short ball, around middle, Zazai pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
2.3 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, On a good length around off, comes back in, Zadran looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads. The ball goes to second slip.
2.4 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, On a good length on off, Noor Ali defends it off the back foot.
2.5 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Pushes this through point for a single.
2.6 : M Henry to H Zazai, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
3.1 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, On a good length around middle, Noor Ali pats it to the off side.
3.2 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Very full outside off, almost a yorker, Zadran looks to drive but misses.
3.3 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
3.4 : T Boult to H Zazai, Landed around off, pushed towards cover.
3.5 : T Boult to H Zazai, Very full and around middle, swinging in, Hazratuullah misses his flick and the ball hits him on the pads off the inside edge. An LBW appeal ensues but nothing in it.
3.6 : T Boult to H Zazai, Full and outside off, Zazai swings hard but totally misses the ball.
4.1 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Top shot. Full on middle, Noor Ali drives this straight down the ground and beats mid on!
4.2 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Full on off, Zadran plays it towards covers for a quick single.
4.3 : M Henry to H Zazai, High, high, high, but safe! Lucky escape for Zazai. A length ball outside off, Hazrat swings hard but mishits it massively. The ball swirls in the air and mid-wicket and square leg run back but neither get there! It goes towards deep mid-wicket where Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham both go for the catch but it falls in no man's land. Two runs taken.
4.4 : M Henry to H Zazai, He knows only one way to play.
4.5 : M Henry to H Zazai, DROPPED! Well, well, well. Zazai gets a life. A length ball, outside off, Zazai swings hard but only gets a top edge this time. Two men run after it - Martin Guptill from mid on and Colin de Grandhomme from mid-wicket. The latter goes for the catch but there is no calling. He gets there first but then puts it down. Guptill is furious with CdG regarding the calling and rightly so! Two runs taken.
4.6 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Full and around off, watchfully defended to the off side. 8 runs have come from the over.
5.1 : T Boult to H Zazai, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
5.2 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Outside off, left alone.
5.3 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Full and outside off, Noor Ali drives this through mid off for a boundary!
5.4 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, a play and a miss.
5.5 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
5.6 : T Boult to H Zazai, The batsman has played it to the point region.
6.1 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
6.2 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Full and on middle, Noor Ali flicks this uppishly wide of short mid-wicket for a boundary!
6.3 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Around off, defended from the crease.
6.4 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, played straight to point.
6.5 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
6.6 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Outside off, played straight to point.
7.1 : T Boult to H Zazai, Landed outside off, left alone.
7.2 : T Boult to H Zazai, EDGED, DROPPED AGAIN! Zazai is living a charmed life. On a length around middle, Hazrat looks to flick but the ball takes the leading edge and goes behind. Ross Taylor at first slip leaps, goes at it with one hand but cannot quite take it. The ball lobs but wide of him. A run taken towards fine leg.
7.3 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Outside off, a play and a miss now.
7.4 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, A bouncer on middle, Zadran ducks.
7.5 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Another bouncer, ducked under again. Second for the over, signals the umpire.
7.6 : T Boult to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, a touch fuller, pushed through point for a run.
8.1 : M Henry to Ali Zadran, Landed outside off, played through point for a single.
8.2 : M Henry to H Zazai, SIX! HUMONGOUS! That is a Zazai special. He has announced himself. A short ball, around off, Hazrat swings and deposits this into the mid-wicket stands for half a dozen! And he has forced the umpires to get a new ball because this one is gone.
Change in field now. Williamson going with a ring on the off side. Backward point, point, cover, extra cover and mid off.
8.3 : M Henry to H Zazai, Outside off, a flash and a miss as HZ looks to go over mid off.
8.4 : M Henry to H Zazai, FOUR! He is timing them well now. Fractionally short, outside off, Zazai slams this over cover and gets a boundary. 50 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN. That is a solid start.
8.5 : M Henry to H Zazai, Outside off, a play and a miss. He is alternating between connecting and missing. The swinging continues.
8.6 : M Henry to H Zazai, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. Poor running. There was two available. The fielder had to run a long way to his right. 12 from the over!
Lockie Ferguson into the attack now.
9.1 : L Ferguson to H Zazai, FOUR! Poor bowling. On a length on leg, Zazai flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.
9.2 : L Ferguson to H Zazai, On a length on leg, Zazai looks to flick but gets it off his pads. It goes towards fine leg for a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
9.3 : L Ferguson to Ali Zadran, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Noor Ali looks to defend but misses it due to the away movement on this one.
9.4 : L Ferguson to Ali Zadran, Bowls a short delivery outside off, Noor Ali lets it go.
9.5 : L Ferguson to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Terrific shot. Full and outside off, Noor Ali drives it through point for a boundary.
9.6 : L Ferguson to Ali Zadran, On a length on middle, Noor Ali flicks it towards square leg for a single. 10 runs have come from the over. Big over for Afghanistan.
POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Jimmy Neesham into the attack. Ramiz Raja wants a spinner to be introduced as Zazai does not move his feet against spin.
10.1 : J Neesham to Ali Zadran, On a good length outside off, Noor Ali feels for it but the ball kicks off the surface and beats the outside edge.
10.2 : J Neesham to Ali Zadran, FOUR! Wow. What a shot. Afghanistan have been red-hot with the bat today. Full and outside off, Noor Ali drives this straight down the ground and beats mid off!
10.3 : J Neesham to Ali Zadran, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
10.4 : J Neesham to Ali Zadran, Around middle and leg, tucked to the leg side for a single.
10.5 : J Neesham to H Zazai, OUT! Straight to the man! Pretty needless but that is how he plays. He has done the hard work, seen off the new balls and then thrown it away with a soft dismissal. Full and wide outside off, Hazrat reaches out and lofts it over point. There is no problem with that shot but there is a fielder in the deep. And it goes straight to him. Colin Munro at sweeper takes it easily. End of a fantastic 66-run opening stand.
Rahmat Shah walks in at number 3, replacing Zazai. For a change, he walks out after a foundation being set.
10.6 : J Neesham to R Shah, That is a brute. On a good length outside off, Rahmat looks to defend but the ball goes past the outside edge. Extra bounce defeated him. 5 runs and a wicket from the over.
11.1 : L Ferguson to Ali Zadran, OUT! Caught down the leg side! Two wickets in the span of three balls. A short ball, down the leg side, Noor Ali looks to tuck but ends up hitting it off the face of the bat straight to the keeper! This is an unfortunate dismissal but then you have got to put these away. Not a wicket-taking delivery, was it?
0.0 : Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in at number 4, replacing Noor Ali.
11.2 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, On a good length on middle, Shah plays it towards the leg side.
11.3 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Bowls a sharp bumper, Rahmat does well to duck under it.
11.4 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Another bouncer, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
11.5 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shah defends it out.
11.6 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery from Lockie. Bowls a good length delivery just outside off, it rises off the deck, Shah looks to play inside the line but misses it due to the seam movement on this one. A wicket-maiden over from Ferguson.
12.1 : J Neesham to R Shah, Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
12.2 : J Neesham to R Shah, Outside off, left alone.
12.3 : J Neesham to R Shah, OUT! Leading edge and taken! On a good length outside off, coming in, Rahmat looks to defend but gets squared up. The ball goes off the leading edge and Martin Guptill takes it easily to his left at backward point.
Gulbadin Naib walks in at number 5, replacing Rahmat.
12.4 : J Neesham to G Naib, Landed outside off, defended from the crease.
12.5 : J Neesham to G Naib, A short ball around off, Naib leaps and taps it to the leg side.
12.6 : J Neesham to G Naib, FOUR! IMPERIOUS! A length ball, around off, Naib hammers it straight back over mid on and finds the boundary! 4/2 in the last 2 overs!
13.1 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, A length ball around off, pushed to the off side.
13.2 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, A bouncer now, Shahidi ducks.
13.3 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, On a good length and outside off, Shahidi shoulders his arms to this one.
13.4 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Play and a miss! Bowls it on a good length and outside off, Shahidi looks to fend at this one but misses it.
13.5 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shahidi defends it out.
13.6 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Good length delivery on middle, Shahidi defends it off the back foot. Consecutive maiden over from Lockie Ferguson.
Naib has been adjudged caught behind! But he is not going anywhere. He has immediately taken the review. Seems like a massive movement. Was it just swing? Oh dear... there is a spike. This might be a waste of a review.
14.1 : J Neesham to G Naib, OUT! Caught behind! Indeed a massive spike and this is a real waste of a review from the captain. A length ball outside off, moving away, Naib swings hard and the ball deflects behind to the keeper. It is pretty hard to say from the naked eye but umpire Aleem Dar raises his finger! Naib immediately takes the review but Ultra Edge detects a spike when the ball passes the toe end of the bat. He has to go.
0.0 : DRINKS BREAK. Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 6, replacing his skipper.
14.2 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Landed outside off, defended solidly.
14.3 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
14.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Around off, pushed to the off side.
14.5 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, solidly defended.
14.6 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, On a good length outside off, moving away, Shahidi pushes but misses.
15.1 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, On middle, flicked to leg gully.
15.2 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, Pitched outside off, Left alone by the batsman.
15.3 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, Length delivery outside off, Nabi lifts his bat and lets the ball go through to the keeper.
15.4 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, Three leaves on the trot! Nabi is not willing to fish with any delivery outside off. He is happy to leave it.
15.5 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, BEATEN! Nabi looks to drive this length ball outside off, but with cement feet he is not able to reach to the pitch of the ball but goes through the shot. The ball passes the outside edge.
15.6 : L Ferguson to M Nabi, Bouncer outside off, Nabi does well to drop his wrists and sways away from the line of the delivery. Third maiden on the trot for Ferguson.
Colin de Grandhomme comes into the attack.
16.1 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, On a length on off, Shahidi plays it to point.
16.2 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shahidi plays it to point again.
16.3 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Full and outside off, Shahidi looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes to mid on.
16.4 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shahidi defends it off the back foot.
16.5 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Length delivery on off, the left-hander pushes it to covers.
16.6 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Ironic cheers around the ground as Shahidi gets off the mark at last! Full and outside off, Shahidi drives it towards wide mid off for a single. Just 1 run from the over.
Change of ends for Jimmy Neesham. 3-0-10-3 so far.
17.1 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
17.2 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, BEATEN! A swing and a miss, Neesham bowls one outside off and Shahidi looks to cut this through point but in the end connects with thin air.
17.3 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Length ball on off, defended back to bowler.
17.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, BEATEN AGAIN! Shahidi is looking unsettled against Neesham there. Again a length ball outside off, Shahidi looks to cut but doesn't connect this time and the ball passes the outside edge.
17.5 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Length ball defended watchfully off the back foot.
17.6 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Length ball outside off defended to covers. A maiden over.
18.1 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, On a good length on off, Nabi defends it off the front foot.
18.2 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, Length delivery on off, Nabi drives it towards covers for a single.
18.3 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Play and a miss! Good length delivery outside off, Shahidi comes forward to defend this one but misses it due to the away movement on this one.
18.4 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, FOUR! Excellent shot. Short and outside off, Shahidi cuts it through point for a boundary.
18.5 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Length delivery outside off, Shahidi dabs it towards third man where the fielder collects the ball and slips. The batsmen still take only a single.
18.6 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, Length delivery outside off, Nabi guides it towards third man for a single.
19.1 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Fuller one on the stumps, Nabi flicks it to fine leg. A run added to the total.
19.2 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Neesham bowls one way outside off, Shahidi looks uninterested to play.
19.3 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Pitching on a length and outside off, Shahidi leaves it for keeper to gobble it.
19.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Shahidi tucks this length ball on the pads behind square for a single.
19.5 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Length ball defended back to the bowler.
19.6 : J Neesham to M Nabi, WIDE! Neesham sprays one down the leg side and umpire signals wide.
J Neesham to M Nabi, Up and over, just eludes the fielder at mid off! Neesham bowls on fuller length and outside off, Nabi says enough is enough and lofts it straight over the bowler's head and eludes the man at mid off. The ball does a somersault there it bounces near the ropes and instead of going past it comes back in! Magical moment! And with it rains also come to say hello. The batsmen cross for a couple.
This was coming. It was heavily overcast and the forecast was there for some showers and they have arrived. The good thing is that it has almost come down to a drizzle. The skies are clearing up as well. May not be a long delay. Plenty of breeze blowing across, so the ground staff is finding it difficult to bring the covers on.
1520 local update - The skies have cleared up and the covers are off! Play is set to begin at 3.30 PM local (1430 GMT).
We are ready to begin. Plenty of breeze blowing across and not a rainy cloud in the sky. The players make their way out to the middle once more. Here is Colin de Grandhomme.
20.1 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, FOUR! Terrific shot after the break! Full and outside off, Shahidi drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.
0.0 : Change of angle. Colin switches to over the wicket.
20.2 : de Grandhomme to H Shahidi, Short and outside off, Shahidi cuts it through point for a single.
20.3 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, Good length delivery on middle, Nabi pushes it to mid on.
20.4 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, Full on off, Nabi plays it to covers.
20.5 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, On a good length on middle, Nabi defends it off the back foot.
20.6 : de Grandhomme to M Nabi, Full and outside off, Nabi drives it to point.
21.1 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Length delivery outside off, defended to covers.
21.2 : J Neesham to M Nabi, WIDE! Bowls a bouncer down the leg side. Umpire penalizes with a wide.
J Neesham to M Nabi, Misfield from de Grandhomme! Nearly concedes a boundary but recovers at the right time. Short of a length outside off, Nabi slaps it between cover and point. Colin de Grandhomme runs across to his right from third man but while sliding, he just misses the ball slightly. It rolls back but he manages to stop it before it touches the ropes. A couple added to the total.
It has gone overcast again...
21.3 : J Neesham to M Nabi, Nabi looks to flick it through leg side but gets hit on the pads and the batsman cross for a leg bye.
21.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Nabi leaves this length ball outside off and the keeper does the rest.
21.5 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, FOUR LEG BYES! Poor delivery from Neesham. Full on leg, Shahidi looks to tickle it down but gets it off his pads. The ball beats the keeper's dive to his right and races away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
21.6 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Shahidi drives this length ball through point for a single.
Trent Boult is back into the attack.
22.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Bowls a bouncer, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
22.2 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Length delivery on off, Shahidi plays it to point.
1440 GMT - Oh dear... the rain has come again. This is pretty frustrating for the players. It is never good for anyone to keep coming in and going off as it is not easy to be switched on and off. Off go the players again and this time it is an even darker cloud. In fact, it is a massive mass. The rain is very heavy and the delay looks to be a bit longer than the previous one.
1455 GMT UPDATE - Good news! We have a resumption at 4.05 pm local (1505 GMT)! No overs lost. Only the innings break has been cut down to 25 minutes.
Welcome back! We are ready to resume but the fear stays that the rain is not far away. One side of the ground is bathed in sunshine while the other has plenty of dark clouds coming.
Even before we get the ball to be bowled, we have to get it changed. It has gone out of shape and the fourth umpire is out, with a box of replacement balls. Here is Trent Boult to continue...
22.3 : T Boult to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shahidi plays it to point.
22.4 : T Boult to H Shahidi, 100 up for Afghanistan. Length delivery on off, Shahidi looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a single.
22.5 : T Boult to M Nabi, Short delivery, Nabi does well to keep it out.
22.6 : T Boult to M Nabi, Good length delivery on off, Nabi defends it off the back foot. Just 1 run from the over.
23.1 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, FOUR! The field is off-side packed and Neesham bowls it down the leg side. Tickled towards fine leg.
23.2 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Short ball outside off, Shahidi slaps it through covers for a run.
23.3 : J Neesham to M Nabi, OUT! Caught behind! A wicket after a break. Neesham corrects his line and length. He bowls a scrambled-seam delivery outside off, Nabi was in two minds whether to play or leave but ultimately plays it but can only edge it back to the keeper. Good bowling display from Jimmy Neesham.
Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.
23.4 : J Neesham to N Zadran, Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
23.5 : J Neesham to N Zadran, FOUR! Nicely played. Short and outside off, Najibullah gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers!
23.6 : J Neesham to N Zadran, OUT! Caught behind! Second in the over and Neesham has his 50th ODI wicket. A short ball, around middle and off, extra bounce, Najibullah has a nibble at that. The ball moves away, he rises with the bounce but it is too difficult for him. Takes the glove and Latham gets his fourth catch of the innings! Neesham's figures read 7-1-28-5!
Ikram Ali Khil walks in at number 8. He is the replacement for Mohammad Shahzad. 18 years of age and touted to be of prodigious talent.
24.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, FOUR! That is a terrific ball. Full and swinging in, almost a yorker, clipped towards mid-wicket.
24.2 : T Boult to H Shahidi, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Shahidi looks to defend but misses it due to the seam movement on this one.
24.3 : T Boult to H Shahidi, On a length on middle, Shahidi flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
24.4 : T Boult to Ali Khil, Good length delivery on off, Ikram defends it off the back foot.
24.5 : T Boult to Ali Khil, Full on middle, Ikram drives it straight past the bowler towards mid on.
24.6 : T Boult to Ali Khil, Short delivery outside off, Ikram lets it go.
25.1 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
25.2 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
25.3 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, angling away, left alone.
25.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Full and around off, driven towards mid off.
25.5 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Late again. A short ball, around off, Shahidi initially thinks of leaving that alone but then at the last moment, attempts the late cut. Is really late on the shot and gets beaten.
25.6 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Outside off, tapped towards point for a single.
Matt Henry returns. 5-0-38-0 so far. Chance to improve his figures.
26.1 : M Henry to H Shahidi, FOUR! Welcome back into the attack! Terrific shot! Henry bowls a length delivery outside off, Shahidi drives it beautifully through covers for a boundary.
26.2 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Bowls a bouncer, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
26.3 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Good length delivery on off, Shahidi looks to defend but gets an inside edge and gets hit on the box.
26.4 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Length delivery outside off, Shahidi plays it to off side.
26.5 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Length delivery outside off, Shahidi slaps it towards covers for a single.
26.6 : M Henry to Ali Khil, On a good length on off, Ali Khil defends it off the back foot.
STAT ALERT - Jimmy Neesham becomes only the 5th Kiwi bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in an ODI World Cup!
27.1 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Landed around off, Shahidi guides it behind point for a single.
27.2 : J Neesham to Ali Khil, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
27.3 : J Neesham to Ali Khil, That is a terrific stop. Mitchell Santner is the man. Full and outside off, Ali Khil drives it through the covers and the ball races away but Santner throws himself to his right and stops it!
27.4 : J Neesham to Ali Khil, A short ball, just around off, Ikram looks to fend but the ball rises steeply and beats the outside edge.
27.5 : J Neesham to Ali Khil, Landed outside off, left alone.
27.6 : J Neesham to Ali Khil, Full and around off, watchfully defended to the off side. Just a run from the miserly Neesham.
28.1 : M Henry to H Shahidi, INSIDE EDGE, FOUR! Not far from the leg stump. Fortuitous for Shahidi. Full on middle and leg, Shahidi looks to drive but gets an inside edge. It goes just past the leg stump towards fine leg for a boundary.
28.2 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Full again on off, Shahidi plays it to covers.
28.3 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Bowls a bumper, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
28.4 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Short and outside off, Shahidi cuts it through cover-point. The batsmen cross ends.
28.5 : M Henry to Ali Khil, Full on off, Ali Khil plays it to point.
28.6 : M Henry to Ali Khil, Good length delivery on off, Ali Khil plays it off the back foot.
29.1 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Outside off, left alone.
29.2 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Landed outside off, let through once again.
29.3 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, Landed around middle, defended from the crease.
29.4 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, One more leave outside off.
29.5 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
29.6 : J Neesham to H Shahidi, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. Sensational outing for Jimmy Neesham - 10-1-31-5. His best figures in ODIs.
30.1 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Outside off, punched towards point.
30.2 : M Henry to H Shahidi, Length delivery outside off, Shahidi plays it towards point where Guptill does well to stop it with one hand to his right. Excellent fielding from him.
30.3 : M Henry to H Shahidi, On a length on middle, Shahidi flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
30.4 : M Henry to Ali Khil, Bowls a bouncer, Ali Khil looks to pull but misses it. It was way over his head.
30.5 : M Henry to Ali Khil, Length delivery on off, Ali Khil plays it to point.
30.6 : M Henry to Ali Khil, EDGED, DROPPED AGAIN! Ross Taylor it is once more. Short delivery outside off, Ali Khil looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards Ross Taylor who jumps and tries to take it with one hand but spills it. In the process, the batsmen take a single.
Lockie Ferguson returns. 4-3-9-1 so far. Strong fellow, hits the pitch hard and bowls at a very good pace.
31.1 : L Ferguson to Ali Khil, On a good length around off, pushed towards cover.
31.2 : L Ferguson to Ali Khil, That is a snorter. Lockie bends his back, lands it on a length outside off, Ali Khil looks to defend but the ball beats the outside edge.
31.3 : L Ferguson to Ali Khil, Fuller this time, driven towards cover.
31.4 : L Ferguson to Ali Khil, Ooohhh... close call. A length ball, around middle, Ali Khil taps it to the leg side and sets off for a quick single. Shahidi is a bit late to respond and Colin Munro quickly gets across from short mid-wicket. However, the ball is to his left and that, surprisingly, is his weak hand while throwing. He bats left-handed but bowls and throws right-handed. The throw barely reaches the stumps as Shahidi dives in.
31.5 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery.
31.6 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Cuts him into half. A length ball outside off, Shahidi looks to push it through the off side but the ball snakes back in and goes between bat and pad to miss the off stump narrowly.
Colin de Grandhomme is back on. 3-0-14-0 so far.
32.1 : de Grandhomme to Ali Khil, Tucks it towards the leg side.
32.2 : de Grandhomme to Ali Khil, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
32.3 : de Grandhomme to Ali Khil, Length delivery on off, Ali Khil plays it to point.
32.4 : de Grandhomme to Ali Khil, OUT! Straight to point! Catching practice. Ikram's longgggg vigil ends, 2 from 22 balls and Afghanistan are now 7 down. Full and outside off, Ali Khil drives it straight to point where Martin Guptill takes a simple catch. Shahidi is running out of partners here. It was a poor shot selection from Ikram Ali Khil.
Rashid Khan walks in at number 9, replacing Ikram.
32.5 : de Grandhomme to R Khan, On a good length on off, Khan plays it to covers.
32.6 : de Grandhomme to R Khan, Full and outside off, Khan drives it to covers where the fielder does well to stop it with a dive. A wicket-maiden over from Colin de Grandhomme.
33.1 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, A bouncer, around off, Shahidi ducks.
33.2 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Outside off, on a length, steered behind point for a single.
33.3 : L Ferguson to R Khan, Outside off, on a length, steered behind point for a single.
33.4 : L Ferguson to R Khan, OUT! Onto the helmet and then onto the stumps! That is a brutal delivery. And poor Rashid Khan. He looks totally non-plussed. There are a few concerns and everyone is checking on him now. The helmet slowly comes off and Rashid takes some time for himself. Out comes the physio. A good length ball outside off, Khan does not pick it and looks to defend with his head pointing downwards. His misjudgement of the length proves costly because one reckons that he was expecting
DRINKS BREAK. Aftab Alam is the new man in.
33.5 : L Ferguson to A Alam, FOUR! Ho ho ho! Love to watch numbers 10 and 11 bat. A length ball, outside off, Aftab backs away and crashes it wide of mid off for a boundary!
33.6 : L Ferguson to A Alam, Goes again, exposing all his stumps but this time Lockie follows him down the leg side. Alam is cramped for room as he looks to pull but mistimes it back to the bowler.
Trent Boult returns. 6-0-19-0 so far. Can he finish the innings off?
34.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Short delivery, Shahidi pulls it towards the leg side for a single.
34.2 : T Boult to A Alam, Boult bowls a good bouncer, Alam lets it sail through to the keeper.
34.3 : T Boult to A Alam, Full and outside off, Alam drives it through covers for a single.
34.4 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Bowls a perfect yorker on middle, Shahidi manages to dig it out. It goes towards slips for a single.
34.5 : T Boult to A Alam, Short delivery, Alam looks to pull but misses it.
34.6 : T Boult to A Alam, Length delivery outside off, Alam guides it towards third man for a single.
35.1 : L Ferguson to A Alam, FOUR! Just wide! A short ball, around off, Alam backs away and swats it wide of a diving mid on for a boundary!
35.2 : L Ferguson to A Alam, FOUR! Off the top edge this time! A short ball again, around middle, Aftab looks to pull but gets a top edge which flies over the keeper. There is a third man who is very, very fine, but the ball lands even finer, just inside of the ropes.
35.3 : L Ferguson to A Alam, A length ball this time, AA has a heave-ho but misses.
35.4 : L Ferguson to A Alam, OUT! Nice swirling catch to end Aftab's hit-and-miss cameo. Latham's fifth catch of this innings. A length ball again, Alam looks to continue his mission of sending every ball to Mars. Gets another top edge which swirls high in thee air. Tom Latham circles under it and from the corner of his right eye, he is able to see third man come in. But he keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a fantastic catch to his right. Third wicket for Ferguson.
Hamid Hassan walks in as the last man. How much can this last pair add?
35.5 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, FOUR! That is a solid jab! Very full, on middle, Hamid just gets his bat down in time and pushes it wide of mid on. There is no one at the long on fence and the ball races away.
35.6 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, Nice shot. A short ball, Hamid pulls it through square leg. There is no one sweeping the leg side and by the time someone from the infield gets to it, two runs are taken.
36.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, On a good length on off, Shahidi plays it off the back foot.
36.2 : T Boult to H Shahidi, TOP EDGE, FOUR! Wide of third man. Boult bowls a short of a length delivery, Shahidi looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper towards third man for a boundary.
36.3 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Full on off, Shahidi plays it towards mid off.
36.4 : T Boult to H Shahidi, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Shahidi looks to drive but misses it.
36.5 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Full on middle, Shahidi looks to play a big shot but gets it off the toe end of the bat. It goes towards mid on.
36.6 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Length delivery on middle, Shahidi drives it towards mid on for a single and keeps strike for the next over.
37.1 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, FOUR! Half century for Shahidi! The first one to do so in this innings. Gets there in a bit fortunate manner. Full and around off, Shahid gives himself some room and swings hard but ends up dragging it wide of mid on. His 8th half century in ODIs. Fine knock, but unfortunately had no support from the other end.
37.2 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Backs away down the leg side, Ferguson follows him with a length ball, Hashmatullah swings hard but misses.
37.3 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Now this is outside off and HS looks to run it down to third man but misses.
37.4 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Full and fast, at the stumps, Shahidi just about gets his bat down in time and ekes out an outside edge towards third man. A run taken.
37.5 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, A short ball, on middle, Hamid swings hard but misses.
37.6 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, Another short ball, at the body, Hassan looks to tuck it away but gets hit on the gloves.
38.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Bowls a bouncer, Shahidi does well to quickly duck under it and slips in the process.
38.2 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Play and a miss! Boult bowls a short delivery outside off, Shahidi looks to play an upper cut but gets beaten.
38.3 : T Boult to H Shahidi, BEATEN AGAIN! Bowls a short delivery again, Shahidi again looks to play an upper cut but misses it.
38.4 : T Boult to H Shahidi, FOUR! Poor delivery from Trent Boult. Low full toss on middle, Shahidi flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
38.5 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Bowls a bumper, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
38.6 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Short delivery on leg, Shahidi looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto this pads. It goes towards the leg side for a single.
A slight delay. That last ball has hit Hashmatullah on the hips and he seems to be in pain. The physio has come out. A couple of tablets are popped in and Hashmatullah is ready to go.
39.1 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Full and outside off, Shahidi looks to drive but mistimes it towards cover.
39.2 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, A short ball now, Hashmatullah looks to pull but misses.
39.3 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, A short ball, down the leg side, HS tucks it through square leg for a single.
39.4 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, A short ball again, Hamid looks to heave but misses.
39.5 : L Ferguson to H Hassan, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
39.6 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, Outside off, played through point for a run.
POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now.
40.1 : T Boult to H Shahidi, Short and outside off, Shahidi makes room and smashes it through covers for a single.
40.2 : T Boult to H Hassan, Nice and full on middle, Hassan defends it off the back foot.
40.3 : T Boult to H Hassan, Short of a length delivery, Hassan looks to fend at it but misses it.
40.4 : T Boult to H Hassan, Full on off, Hassan plays it to covers.
40.5 : T Boult to H Hassan, Full and outside off, Hamid slices it to point.
40.6 : T Boult to H Hassan, Good length delivery outside off, Hassan shoulders his arms to this one.
41.1 : L Ferguson to H Shahidi, OUT! A fine catch to end the innings at last. A length ball, around middle and leg, Shahidi swings hard but only manages a top edge. The ball flies down to third man where Matt Henry initially does not pick it but then comes running in and takes a decent catch. The umpires check for the overstepping but Lockie is fine. AFGHANISTAN BOWLED OUT FOR 172!
Decent comeback by New Zealand after going for plenty in Powerplay 1. They choked the Afghans and the latter could barely recover. From 66/0, they have squandered away their position of strength to lose 10 wickets for just 106 runs.
The innings began like no one expected. The conditions were slightly overcast and one felt that the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry would blow the Afghans away. But what happened was the contrary. Both struggled with their lines and lengths and got carted all around the park. The fielding did not help them either with the Kiwis messing up quite a few simple opportunities.
Just when it seemed like it may not be New Zealand's day, in came Jimmy Neesham. The batsmen probably thought he can be taken for runs and decided to play some carefree cricket. That was exactly what Neesham wanted. He ran through the middle order, along with Ferguson and the duo's combined figures read 19.1-4-68-9 with Colin de Grandhomme taking a solitary wicket. A special mention for Tom Latham as well, who took 5 catches.
Another opportunity missed by the Afghans. The deck was a good one to bat on and they got a good start as well but could not quite capitalize on it. One of their main men, Rahmat Shah, who likes to bat long, fell early and that hit them hard. Also, the two rain breaks hurt them, because it broke their concentration, not allowing them to have a settled time in the middle and the pitch quickened up as well. Only four men reached double digits.
Jimmy Neesham is having a chat with Pommie Mbangwa. Neesham says that he was only to hit the deck as hard as possible. Admits that he did not bowl that well in the first two games. Adds that Afghanistan tested them in the first 10 overs and is happy that he passed the test successfully. On the pitch, Jimmy reckons that it is a good one to bat on, though it might have quickened up due to the showers. On the target, Neesham says that the Kiwi side bats very deep and should chase this down comforta
173 to win then. What are the questions in your mind? Will New Zealand canter to a win inside 30 overs? Or will Afghanistan fight it out? The answer will be given in a short while.
0.0 : We are back for the chase. The players and umpires are out in the middle. Martin Guptill and Colin Munro will open the batting for New Zealand.
0.1 : A Alam to M Guptill, OUT! A wicket first ball! Superb start for Afghanistan. A length ball, around off, coming in, Guptill looks to tuck it to the leg side but the ball takes the inside edge, hits the pads and lobs to backward point. Simple catch for Najibullah Zadran. Afghanistan appeal and the umpire raises his finger!
Kane Williamson walks in at number 3, replacing Guptill.
0.2 : A Alam to K Williamson, On middle and leg, Williamson works it through square leg. The fielder makes a mess of a simple throw and concedes the second.
0.3 : A Alam to K Williamson, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
0.4 : A Alam to C Munro, FOUR! Bash. Full and outside off, Munro hammers it down the ground for a boundary!
0.5 : A Alam to C Munro, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! Short and outside off, Munro punches it through the covers for a boundary again!
0.6 : A Alam to C Munro, The batsman gets a leading edge on that one.
Hamid Hassan to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Shorter and on the body, Williamson hops and works it through square leg for one.
1.2 : H Hassan to C Munro, Back of a length again on off, Munro pushes it to covers.
1.3 : H Hassan to C Munro, Munro steps down the track and Hassan spots that, he bangs it short but it is too short and it has been wided.
H Hassan to C Munro, Goes wide and full outside off, Munro goes after it but misses.
1.4 : H Hassan to C Munro, BEATEN! This is a good delivery. It is on off and takes off after pitching and also angles away. Munro looks to force it through the off side but gets beaten.
1.5 : H Hassan to C Munro, Edgy run! shortish and outside off, Munro slashes at it but the ball flies off the top edge down to third man and the batters take one.
1.6 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Another good nut! Back of a length and just outside off, Williamson covers his off pole and shoulders arms nicely. A tight second from Hassan.
2.1 : A Alam to C Munro, WIDE! Down the leg side, Munro looks to flick but misses. The keeper does well to dive to his right and take it.
A Alam to C Munro, Back of a length around off, Munro guides it to point.
2.2 : A Alam to C Munro, FOUR! Beautiful shot by Munro! He has not looked to hit that hard, just a mere punch. Slightly fuller and on off, CM strokes it past the diving mid off fielder and it races away.
2.3 : A Alam to C Munro, Good change in pace but the line is a little too straight. Munro is done in a little by the pace. He looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.
2.4 : A Alam to K Williamson, Good line and length! On off and straightens a touch. Williamson goes back and looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.
2.5 : A Alam to K Williamson, On off again and it is on a length, defended.
2.6 : A Alam to K Williamson, On the pads, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket. Three dots to end the over. A good comeback by the bowler after going for a boundary on the second ball. Just the 6 from it in the end.
3.1 : H Hassan to C Munro, On the fuller side, Hassan is hitting the bat hard. Munro strokes it to mid off.
3.2 : H Hassan to C Munro, Edge but does not carry! Back of a length on off, Munro looks to push at it but the ball takes the outside edge and goes on the bounce towards gully. Good stop by the fielder there.
3.3 : H Hassan to C Munro, Leading edge but in the gap! Fortunate single for Munro. He looks to work it on the leg side but due to the angle away the ball flies off the leading edge. It evades the gully fielder and the point fielder. Goes down towards third man where the fielder runs to his left and keeps it down to one. Antagonist need luck to go their way. On another day, this could have easily gone to a fielder's hand.
3.4 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Good running! This is worked towards square leg and the batsmen set off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses.
3.5 : H Hassan to C Munro, FOUR! Right off the middle! Risky shot though. He looks to play it on the up with two slips and a gully in place. Gets it off the middle though and it races through cover for a boundary.
3.6 : H Hassan to C Munro, A dot to end! Another testing over by Hassan! Length and on off, this is guided to point.
4.1 : A Alam to K Williamson, This is on the pads, Williamson works it through square leg for a single.
4.2 : A Alam to C Munro, Bowls this on the pads, Munro looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
4.3 : A Alam to C Munro, Shorter and on middle, Munro looks to flat-bat it but the ball hurries onto him and he mistimes it to mid on. Munro seems to be going to hard at the deliveries.
4.4 : A Alam to C Munro, This time he uses the pace and works it nicely through mid-wicket for one.
4.5 : A Alam to K Williamson, On the fuller side and around middle and leg. Williamson strokes it to mid on.
4.6 : A Alam to K Williamson, Another ball which is angled into the batsman, KW looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A good tight over by Alam, just the two from it.
5.1 : H Hassan to C Munro, Quick running! This is tapped towards cover and Munro sets off. Williamson responds nicely and they complete it easily.
5.2 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Good pace! 140 KPH to be precise! It is angled into Williamson. He hops and tries to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
5.3 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Off the inside edge and FOUR! Once again Williamson is slightly late on the shot. Back of a length on off and it zips through. Williamson looks to keep it out but the ball hits the inside edge and it races to the fine leg fence. Just nothing going Afghanistan's way.
5.4 : H Hassan to K Williamson, WIDE! Short and down the leg side, it is wided.
H Hassan to K Williamson, Corrects his line and bowls it on off, blocked.
5.5 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Another full ball on middle, Williamson keeps it out.
5.6 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Outside off, it has been left alone.
Gulbadin Naib is on now!
6.1 : G Naib to C Munro, On the middle pole, the batter defends it onto the ground.
6.2 : G Naib to C Munro, The third man fielder was almost bamboozled by the spin! Short and outside off, Munro looks to cut but the ball flies off the outside edge. It bounces in front of the fielder at third man. He looks to stop it casually but then it spins to his right. He though reacts quickly, sticks his hand out and stops it. Single taken by the batters.
6.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, Shorter in length and around off, KW looks to cut but ends up chopping it to the cover fielder.
6.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, Back of a length on off, it is defended.
6.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, Another length ball on off, Williamson plays it late and onto the ground.
6.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! In the gap and it races away! This should get Williamson going. Back of a length and on off, Kane pushes it through covers and the ball races away to the fence. Spoils the over somewhat. 134 more needed.
Change of ends for Aftab Alam.
7.1 : A Alam to C Munro, Back of a length and on off, Munro defends it onto the ground.
7.2 : A Alam to C Munro, Another length ball on off, Munro looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one. It may have been the cutter and hence, Munro was a touch early in the shot.
7.3 : A Alam to K Williamson, This is angled into the pads, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket.
7.4 : A Alam to K Williamson, A single now as Williamson works it in the mid-wicket region.
7.5 : A Alam to C Munro, OUT! In the air... taken! Aftab Alam strikes. The change of ends does wonders for him. He bangs it short and outside off, Munro looks to upper cut it but only manages to get a lot of height on it. It goes towards third man where Hassan takes an easy catch. Both the openers back in the hut inside Powerplay 1! Afghanistan hanging in there. 132 needed with 8 wickets in hand.
Ross Taylor walks out to bat!
7.6 : A Alam to K Williamson, Good length and on off, it is defended. End of a successful over.
8.1 : G Naib to R Taylor, Off the mark straightaway is Taylor! He works it towards mid on and gets to the other end.
8.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Short and wide outside off, Williamson goes back and cuts it past point for a boundary.
Is there an outside edge? Afghanistan feel so but the umpire feels different as he has ruled it in the favor the batsman. Afghanistan have reviewed though.
8.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, The batsman works it down the leg side.
8.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, NOT OUT! Absolutely nothing on that! It is on a length and outside off, Williamson looks to drive it. He misses. The keeper takes it and appeals. The umpire shakes his head. Afghanistan review. Replays roll in and it shows nothing on Ultra Edge. Afghanistan lose their only review.
8.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, On the stumps, kept out.
8.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, Fuller again on middle, this is hit to mid on.
9.1 : A Alam to R Taylor, The batsman has driven it through mid on. They pick up a single.
9.2 : A Alam to K Williamson, In the air... but safe! Once again, Williamson is a touch late on the shot. Not often do we see this. It is a short one and Williamson looks to pull. The ball hits the higher portion of the bat and lobs in the vacant mid-wicket region for a run.
9.3 : A Alam to R Taylor, FOUR! Taylor has no problem with the short one. He rocks back and powers it through square leg. No stopping those. 50 up for New Zealand.
9.4 : A Alam to R Taylor, Goes back to bowling length on off, it is kept out.
9.5 : A Alam to R Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
9.6 : A Alam to R Taylor, On the fuller side on middle, this is hit to mid on. End of Powerplay 1! It is a decent one for both the sides but New Zealand ahead in the game.
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over. Don't think the game will last till then though.
10.1 : G Naib to K Williamson, Outside off, Williamson looks to guide it down to third man but can't beat gully.
10.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, On the stumps, kept out.
10.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, Another ball outside off, it has been left alone.
10.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, BEATEN! Another length ball and just outside off. Williamson plays inside the line and the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
10.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, Outside off again and the batter has left it alone.
10.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, Well fielded! Full and on off, Williamson strokes it but finds cover. A maiden by Gulbadin.
Mohammad Nabi is on now!
11.1 : M Nabi to R Taylor, Slower through the air on off, it is worked to mid-wicket.
11.2 : M Nabi to R Taylor, A loopy delivery down the leg side, Ross misses the sweep and the umpire has wided it.
M Nabi to R Taylor, Taylor now eases this down to long on and takes an easy run.
11.3 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Flicks it with soft hands through square leg and gets to the other end.
11.4 : M Nabi to R Taylor, Flatter and on off, Taylor punches it down to long on for one.
11.5 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Flighted ball, Williamson pushes it to covers.
11.6 : M Nabi to K Williamson, The arm ball on off, Williamson goes back and pushes it back to the bowler. A tight start by Nabi.
12.1 : G Naib to R Taylor, On the off pole, Taylor blocks it out.
12.2 : G Naib to R Taylor, Back of a length on off, Taylor guides it to point.
12.3 : G Naib to R Taylor, FOUR! Short, wide and slashed away! Shortish and outside off, Taylor throws his bat at it, gets it past point and the ball races away to the fence.
12.4 : G Naib to R Taylor, This has been crisply driven but straight to the man at covers.
12.5 : G Naib to R Taylor, This is squeezed past the diving point fielder for a single.
12.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, Slightly short and outside off, Williamson cuts it nicely but finds point.
13.1 : M Nabi to R Taylor, Gives it a lot of air but it is too full, Taylor hits it down to long on for one.
13.2 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Flatter and on off, Williamson guides it to backward point.
13.3 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Works it with the turn to mid-wicket. Williamson is finding it difficult to score runs here.
13.4 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Another dot as Williamson strokes it back towards the bowler. Nabi deflects it onto the stumps at his end but Taylor is in.
13.5 : M Nabi to K Williamson, Flatter and on off, Williamson pushes it through covers for a run.
Is Williamson run out? Afghanistan do feel so. The throw was not a good one though and that might have saved him.
13.6 : M Nabi to R Taylor, NOT OUT! Yes, the poor throw has saved Williamson. He is just in. However, a better throw and KW was a goner. Taylor works it towards mid-wicket and wants a run. Williamson initially hesitates but then goes for it. Shahidi picks the ball up and throws it above the keeper's head. He collects it with a jump and then dislodges the bails. His appeal is a confident one and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that Williamson is in. An opportunity goes
14.1 : H Hassan to R Taylor, Outside off, punched towards cover.
14.2 : H Hassan to R Taylor, Outside off, Taylor looks to punch but gets a bottom edge through point. A single taken.
14.3 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Landed outside off, left alone.
14.4 : H Hassan to K Williamson, A short ball, pulled behind square for a couple.
14.5 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Landed outside off, left alone.
14.6 : H Hassan to K Williamson, One more leave outside off.
RASHID KHAN UPDATE - Sadly, for Afghanistan, Rashid has failed both the concussion tests. He will not be taking any further part in this game and will be assessed again tomorrow. In case you missed it, Khan was hit on the helmet by a Lockie Ferguson delivery while batting. Left the field in a dizzy state. Rahmat Shah to bowl now. He is probably the bowler who is going to fill in for Rashid Khan.
15.1 : R Shah to R Taylor, EDGY FOUR! Some turn though for Shah. Encouraging signs for him. He bowls it on middle and it spins away a little. Taylor is half-forward as he tries to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge and into the third man fence.
15.2 : R Shah to R Taylor, Taylor comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He keeps it out.
15.3 : R Shah to R Taylor, On the off pole, RT defends it onto the ground.
15.4 : R Shah to R Taylor, On off again and Taylor is happy to keep it out.
15.5 : R Shah to R Taylor, Once again uses his feet but the length is short. Taylor again defends it.
15.6 : R Shah to R Taylor, Flatter and on middle, Taylor goes back and pushes it to mid-wicket. So just the fortunate boundary from this over.
DRINKS BREAK. A sluggish game going along right now. The Kiwis are making a hard work of a modest target. The bowling is not all that great but the New Zealand batters are not even milking the runs. Probably Taylor and Williamson would be cautious for now and then start to use the long handle when the runs required come under 70.
16.1 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Landed outside off, cutting back in, dabbed straight to gully. He has been stationed there to stop that favourite 'run-down-to-third man' shot of Willy.
16.2 : H Hassan to K Williamson, WIDE. A bouncer, dug in too short, Kane ducks.
H Hassan to K Williamson, Another one on the shorter side and on the body, Kane ducks under it. No wide this time.
16.3 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Back of a length around middle, Williamson nudges it on the leg side and takes one.
16.4 : H Hassan to R Taylor, Good bowling! A yorker and at a good pace! Taylor fails to bring his bat down in time and gets beaten. Taylor will be thankful that was not on the stumps.
16.5 : H Hassan to R Taylor, LEG BYE! Back of a length ball and on the pads, Taylor once again is beaten for pace as he fails to get his bat down in time to flick. It hits the thigh pad and rolls beside the pitch. Williamson takes a quick single.
16.6 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Chance of an overthrow but not taken! Full and on middle, Williamson strokes it towards mid on and takes off. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but away from the fielder backing up. The fielder at deep mid-wicket though gets to the ball quickly and does not let the batters take another one.
17.1 : R Shah to K Williamson, Drop and run! Williamson pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
17.2 : R Shah to R Taylor, Flighted ball on off, Taylor drives it to covers.
17.3 : R Shah to R Taylor, Flatter and outside off, RT guides it to point.
17.4 : R Shah to R Taylor, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Poor from Afghanistan! They have missed a run out opportunity to go by early on and now given away three extra runs. Flighted on off, Taylor strokes it nicely through covers. Hassan in the deep runs to his right and looks to stop the ball but lets it through.
17.5 : R Shah to R Taylor, Taylor now drops it towards cover and takes one.
17.6 : R Shah to K Williamson, Plays this late and looks to guide it past slip but can't get it past the fielder there.
Gulbadin Naib is back!
18.1 : G Naib to R Taylor, Short and wide outside off, Ross slaps it through covers for one.
18.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! Finally some intent shown by Williamson. He steps down the track but Naib looks to outsmart him by bowling it short. Williamson though adjusts and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, Goes short again and this one is way too short. Wided.
G Naib to K Williamson, Back of a length on off, Williamson guides it to second slip.
18.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, Kane misses out! Generally so good through that region but struggling to find the the gap today. Short and outside off, he cuts it but finds point.
18.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, Another back of a length ball, KW pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.
18.6 : G Naib to R Taylor, Naib gets away with another short ball. It is outside off, Taylor looks to cut but gets an inside edge which goes along the ground to the keeper. 7 from the over, could have gone for more though.
19.1 : R Shah to K Williamson, Floats it up on off, Kane strokes it to cover.
19.2 : R Shah to K Williamson, Looks to work it against the turn but ends up getting a soft leading edge to the bowler.
19.3 : R Shah to K Williamson, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
19.4 : R Shah to R Taylor, BEATEN! Good delivery that! Lands it on off and Taylor plays the original trajectory. The ball pitches and spins away. Beats the outside edge.
19.5 : R Shah to R Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
19.6 : R Shah to R Taylor, Edged but short! Played that with soft hands did Taylor. This is on off, it once again turns away. Taylor plays inside the line with soft hands but the ball goes off the outside edge and on the bounce to first slip. Good over by Shah.
20.1 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! Williamson gets this through point! Short and asking to be hit, there is also width on offer. KW cuts it through point for a boundary. The bowler has also overstepped so the next ball is a Free Hit. The 50-run stand is also up. The two have gone along their own way but it is a useful stand.
G Naib to K Williamson, Now works it through mid-wicket for one. Just a single from the Free Hit.
20.2 : G Naib to R Taylor, This is guided down to third man for one.
20.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, Williamson now looks to guide it down to third man but can't get past second slip.
20.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, This is eased through mid on for one.
20.5 : G Naib to R Taylor, Angled into the batsman, Taylor tries to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.
20.6 : G Naib to R Taylor, Played to the point region by the batsman. 8 from the over. A productive one for the Kiwis.
21.1 : R Shah to K Williamson, Full and around off, pushed back defensively.
21.2 : R Shah to K Williamson, Tossed up around middle, pushed down to long off for a single. Williamson moves to 40.
21.3 : R Shah to R Taylor, Full and straight, watchfully kept out.
21.4 : R Shah to R Taylor, Comes down the track now and pushes it down to long off for a run.
21.5 : R Shah to K Williamson, Thrown up around off, milked down to long on for one. 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. 73 more needed.
21.6 : R Shah to R Taylor, A touch short, punched down to long on for another single.
22.1 : G Naib to R Taylor, Shortish and outside off, this is cut past point and down towards third man for one.
0.0 : Rahmat Shah is doing a terrific job. He has rarely bowled a bad ball. Even Rashid Khan slips in the odd loose delivery but Rahmat has been mighty consistent and accurate.
22.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, Good length again on off, Williamson looks to run it down but once again can't beat third slip.
22.3 : G Naib to K Williamson, This is on the stumps, this is whipped down to long on for one.
22.4 : G Naib to R Taylor, Slower one on off, Taylor guides it to point. The fielder fumbles. Williamson wants a run but is sent back.
22.5 : G Naib to R Taylor, EDGED AND OVER! FOUR! New Zealand continue riding their luck today! Short and outside off, Taylor looks to get on top of the bounce and guide it down to third man but fails to do so. The top edge is taken and it goes over the keeper for a boundary.
22.6 : G Naib to R Taylor, A swing and a miss! Taylor shuffles across and looks for his favourite mid-wicket region. He misses though.
23.1 : R Shah to K Williamson, Floats it on middle, Williamson keeps it out.
23.2 : R Shah to K Williamson, Loopy ball on off, KW strokes it to covers.
23.3 : R Shah to K Williamson, On the stumps, Kane defends it out.
23.4 : R Shah to K Williamson, Flatter and on middle, KW pushes it down to long on and takes one.
23.5 : R Shah to R Taylor, On the leg pole, Williamson strokes it down to long on for one.
23.6 : R Shah to K Williamson, FOUR! A drag down and Williamson puts it away. A rare bad delivery from Shah. Kane goes back and pulls it behind square, away from the fielder in the deep and a boundary. 60 more needed now.
Mohammad Nabi is back!
24.1 : M Nabi to R Taylor, SIX! That has gone all the way! First biggie of the innings! Taylor may have decided to attack the offie. He shuffles across and goes with the turn. Connects well and it goes over the mid-wicket fence. NEW BALLS PLEASE! That has gone out of the stadium.
0.0 : The ball is lost. So we have a box of replacement balls coming out.
24.2 : M Nabi to R Taylor, Well bowled! Fires this one just outside off, Taylor looks to guide it down to third man but there is not a lot of width on offer. He ends up chopping it past the off pole and down towards fine leg for one. The bowler was appealing but not sure for what.
24.3 : M Nabi to K Williamson, On the stumps, defended.
24.4 : M Nabi to K Williamson, A quicker full toss, Williamson works it through mid-wicket for one.
24.5 : M Nabi to R Taylor, Very full, Taylor strokes it down to long on and gets to the other end.
24.6 : M Nabi to K Williamson, A couple for Williamson to get to his half ton. His 38th in ODIs. It has not been a trademark innings from him. Has struggled to find the gaps and has gone about things quite slowly. His fifty comes up in 77 balls. He cuts this through point and takes a brace. He would love to stay there till the end. Runs needed one below 50 now.
Aftab Alam returns. 5-0-26-2 so far.
25.1 : A Alam to R Taylor, Shorter and on middle, Taylor works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
25.2 : A Alam to K Williamson, Williamson now works it through square leg and takes one.
25.3 : A Alam to R Taylor, FOUR! Another misfield! Just sums up their performance in the field today. Short and on the body, Taylor pulls it towards fine leg. The fielder there moves to his right and then lets it through his legs.
25.4 : A Alam to R Taylor, OUT! TIMBER! Alam has his revenge! Not the best of balls to get a batsman though. Taylor has been cleaned up off a full toss. It is on off, Taylor plays outside the line, the ball sneaks between the gap of bat and pad and hits the off pole. So just as Taylor looked to break free, he has been dismissed. A good partnership though for New Zealand, it has more-or-less sealed the deal for them.
Tom Latham walks out to bat.
25.5 : A Alam to Tom Latham, Outside off, it has been left alone.
25.6 : A Alam to Tom Latham, FOUR! A freebie to get off the mark! A full toss, Latham shows the full face of the bat and strokes it down to the long on fence. So 10 runs and a wicket from the over, an action-packed one. 39 more needed.
Gulbadin Naib is back!
26.1 : G Naib to K Williamson, Good shot! Leans into the stroke and just pushes it through covers for a brace.
26.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, Uses his wrists now and works it through mid on for a run.
26.3 : G Naib to Tom Latham, Good length on off, Latham blocks it out.
26.4 : G Naib to Tom Latham, This is angled into the batter, Latham works it nicely through square leg and takes one.
26.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, On the pads, this is flicked wide of long on for a couple.
26.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, Outside off, KW guides it down to third man for one.
27.1 : A Alam to K Williamson, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
27.2 : A Alam to K Williamson, This is angled into the batter, Williamson works it through mid-wicket for one.
27.3 : A Alam to Tom Latham, On the stumps, kept out.
27.4 : A Alam to Tom Latham, A huge appeal but not given! The bowler can't believe it but he can't do anything about it as Afghanistan do not have a review left. Good length around the leg stump. Latham looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. A huge shout but the umpire shakes his head. Seems to have pitched outside leg and also there was a doubt whether it was pad first or bat. Difficult to judge by the replays. Hawk Eye though shows that there were three reds.
27.5 : A Alam to Tom Latham, Full and on off, Latham strokes it through covers for one.
27.6 : A Alam to K Williamson, Short and on middle, Williamson first looks to duck but then at the end, eh, wants to upper cut. Misses!
28.1 : G Naib to Tom Latham, Works it with the angle through square leg for one.
28.2 : G Naib to K Williamson, On the shorter side and on middle, Williamson pulls it through square leg for one.
28.3 : G Naib to Tom Latham, Once again it is worked with the angle, this time through mid-wicket for one. They are happy to do it in singles.
28.4 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! Slapped! Short and wide outside off, Williamson goes back and hits it hard through covers for a boundary. 150 up.
28.5 : G Naib to K Williamson, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Through covers once again, this time off the front foot. Full and outside off, Williamson caresses it through the off side and bags a boundary.
28.6 : G Naib to K Williamson, Now keeps strike by guiding it down to third man for one. 18 more needed.
Hamid Hassan is back on!
29.1 : H Hassan to K Williamson, FOUR! Raining boundaries now! Full and on the pads, easy pickings for Kane. He flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence.
29.2 : H Hassan to K Williamson, On the pads again and this is flicked towards square leg for one.
29.3 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, Drifts on the pads again, Latham looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side. The batters take a leg bye.
29.4 : H Hassan to K Williamson, On the shorter side on off, Williamson stands tall and defends it.
29.5 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Back of a length and on off, Williamson guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
29.6 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, BEATEN! Latham pushes at a ball outside off, it whizzes past the outside edge.
30.1 : A Alam to K Williamson, Sprays it on the pads, Williamson works it to fine leg and takes one.
30.2 : A Alam to Tom Latham, Shorter in length, Latham goes back and pulls it through square leg for one.
30.3 : A Alam to K Williamson, Angled into the batsman, Williamson looks to work it on the leg side. The ball goes off the leading edge towards point. They think of a run but then seeing the fielder misfield, they readily go for it and complete it.
30.4 : A Alam to Tom Latham, On the pads again, this is worked to fine leg for one.
30.5 : A Alam to K Williamson, A biggie away now are New Zealand. Length and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.
30.6 : A Alam to Tom Latham, Just a single now! Short and on middle, Latham pulls it through square leg for one.
31.1 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, On the pads, it is flicked to fine leg for one. A boundary away now.
31.2 : H Hassan to K Williamson, Doing it in singles! On the pads, Williamson tucks it around the corner and gets to the other end. Leg bye signalled.
31.3 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, Another single as Latham guides tihs down to third man.
31.4 : H Hassan to K Williamson, A single to LEVEL THE SCORES! Back of a length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.
31.5 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, Good short one, Latham ducks under it. One more ball to finish it in this over.
31.6 : H Hassan to Tom Latham, So we will have one more over. Good bowling. Follows the short one up with a full one outside off. Latham looks to drive but misses.
32.1 : A Alam to K Williamson, A single to finish the game! Williamson gets one on his body, he works it fine on the leg side and gets to the other end. The customary handshakes take place as NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
Comprehensive win for the Kiwis. The result was never in doubt once the Afghans folded for 172 but losing Guptill and Munro inside Powerplay 1 would have given them some nervous moments in the dressing room. However, the 89-run stand between Taylor and Williamson for the third wicket allayed all fears. Job well done.
The pitch was slightly tricky to bat on, with the track not as flat as predicted. There was something in it for the bowlers with the seamers getting some bounce and the spinners extracting some turn. Rahmat Shah was brilliant, making up nicely for the absence of Rashid Khan. He was missed a lot and would have been a great foil to Aftab Alam who took all the 3 wickets to fall.
New Zealand would have wanted some batting practice for all their batsmen and their two main batters, Williamson and Taylor got a good hit. They took their time, but then, ensured that the team crosses the line.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan lost their way after a good start and folded for 172. Jimmy Neesham was the wrecker-in-chief with his maiden ODI 5-fer. Lockie Ferguson took a 4-fer. Hashmatullah Shahidi was the lone warrior for the Afghans with a stubborn 59. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
JIMMY NEESHAM HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Neesham says that he is very happy with his bowling performance. Adds that Afghanistan put them under pressure but the Kiwis bounced back well. Informs that the conditions were slower and lower and as a tall bowler, these conditions suited him perfectly. Stresses that he was just looking to hit the deck and not trying to swing the ball as it is not his forte.
Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib, smiles on being asked about the decline from 66/0. Admits that the batsmen did not take enough responsibility and they threw their wickets away. Praises New Zealand for bowling with sustained pressure. Feels that they are missing out in the middle overs as to post a good total, they need to play out the entire 50 overs and of those, the middle period is the most important. Agrees that the team missed Rashid Khan very much but states that the team gave its best
Victorious New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, lauds the win as an outstanding effort. Reckons Afghanistan got off to a terrific start but praises his seamers for sticking to the plan and landing the ball in the right areas. On the brief given to Lockie Ferguson, Williamson says that Lockie likes to bowl really fast and they don't quite tell him to do anything else. Praises the way he hit the deck hard and overall reckons that it was a very good first half while with the bat, Kane says that it
Right then! New Zealand have 3 wins in as many games and they sit comfortably at the top of the table. But this was pretty much expected given their fixtures, with 3 relatively easy games set up first. The tough assignments arrive now, with India lined up on Thursday, June 13. Sunday sees a mouth-watering clash between Australia and India at the Kennington Oval at 10.30 am local (0930 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!