We are back for the second essay! The players of Afghanistan have made their way out to the middle.
....THE RUN CHASE....
Now the wicket seems fine to bat on. There is not a lot of turn and New Zealand do not have to chase a lot. They should gun it down. Afghanistan on the other hand, will look to make it as tough as possible for them. Will the Kiwis book their slot in the semis or is there a twist?
Trent Boult is up for a quick chat. He says that it was a good all-round performance from them and they will take 124 on any day. Adds that they started really well with the ball. Tells that he has been working hard on his death bowling and he is happy that it is paying off. Says that they have a good batting lineup and they would be able to chase it down.
The Afghanistan batting was about just the one man, Zadran! He scored more than half the runs scored by his team and had it not been for him, they would have probably been bowled out for below 100. It seemed like he was batting on a different wicket as the others failed to cross the 20-run mark. Nabi will not be happy especially after electing to bat. However, the positive for them is the recovery, they were three down for nothing but do have something to bowl at.
The pacers did the trick in the first 6. Milne, Southee and Boult got three in the Powerplay which pushed Afghanistan onto the back foot. The middle overs were not upto the mark but the key for the Kiwis was wickets at regular intervals. Everytime the partnership started to build and the runs started to flow a wicket fell. At one stage, 135 did look possible but the Kiwis did really well towards the end too to keep Afghanistan to a score below par.
The Kiwis will be pretty pleased with the first half in this must-win game for them. Have to say, everything was on point for them. Their fielding was outstanding, the bowling was on point and credit to Williamson too whose decisions were outstanding.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, ! TAKEN! A fitting end to a fantastic final over from James Neesham. Wide full toss this time and Rashid Khan does manage to get bat on this one. Khan slices this one in the air and towards cover-point. Kane Williamson dives in from covers and manages to hold on to the catch. Afghanistan END WITH 124/8!
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, This is unreal death bowling from James Neesham. He's got four wide yorkers in a row perfect. Nothing Rashid Khan can do about it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, And yet again! Full and wide, Khan has a wild swing at it but misses.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, The perfect wide yorker from James Neesham. Khan looks to go over covers but gets beaten.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Full and outside off, Rashid Khan can't get any bat on it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Oh my word! This is banged in short. Rashid Khan flat bats it tennis ball style towards the cow corner fence. Daryl Mitchell flies like Superman and manages to pouch it, he also has the presence of mind to flick it back in. Saves two for his team.
James Neesham to bowl the last over.
Trent Boult to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, This one had some sting to it from Boult. Short one, angled into the body. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to sway away from the ball but it comes off the shoulder of the bat and loops up towards backward point.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the new man in.
Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, Fuller one, on off and Khan drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. This is on the pads and Karim Janat rightly looks to deposit this one over the square leg fence. Janat doesn't get any timing on it as the ball goes flat towards the square leg fence. Ish Sodhi takes a smart low catch and Trent Boult gets his third wicket.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Back of a length, this is pulled down to long on for a couple by Janat.
Rashid Khan walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! What a brilliant catch from James Neesham and Najibullah Zadran has to depart after a blsitering knock. A length ball, on off and Zadran looks to smoke it over the long off fence but toe-ends it. The ball goes high, towards the long off fence and James Neesham dives in and takes the catch. Trent Boult with another wicket.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! On the pads and whipped into the deep square leg fence by Najibullah Zadran. He's flying now.
Karim Janat is the new man in.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Tim Southee takes a ripper of a return catch to send Mohammad Nabi packing. Back of a length, around off and Nabi looks to flat-bat it back past the bowler. It is coming back at a rapid pace towards Southee who somehow manages to hang onto it. Nabi can't believe it and this is a good wicket at this point as Nabi can be dangerous towards the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, BYE! Swing and a miss from Zadran. This is outside off and Zadran misses but they scamper through for a bye.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran deserves that bit of luck to be honest. A good short ball, outside off stump. Zadran looks to hook it across but get a top edge and the ball flies into the vacant fine leg fence.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, around middle. Najibullah Zadran whips it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder there fumbles and the batters take two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and smokes it over long off to collect a biggie!
Tim Southee (3-0-11-1) is back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi drags it to long on for a run.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Fullish one, on off and Nabi drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Just short! On middle and Zadran swings aerially across the line. The ball lands in front of the diving fielder who came in from deep square leg. They take two but the umpires call a short run. Just the single then. We saw the Afghans run a few short runs against Namibia too and Najibullah Zadran fails to plant his bat inside the crease here too.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, on leg stump and flicked to deep square leg for a single. The 100 is up now.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Nice change of pace from Trent Boult, deceiving the batter. This one is bowled into the pitch, around off. Najibullah Zadran looks to swing across but gets beaten by the lack of pace.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Singles won't help Afghanistan, they need boundaries. A length ball, caressed through cover-point for a run by Nabi.
Trent Boult (2-0-5-1) comes back to bowl.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Full, on off and squeezed out to deep point for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off and Zadran makes room and slaps it towards long off for a single. Just 5 off the over.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around middle. Najibullah Zadran looks to turn it on the leg side but gets it off the leading edge back to the bowler.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On middle and worked through mid-wicket for a couple by Zadran. Good running.
James Neesham to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, on middle and Nabi dabs it down towards wide long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on middle and leg, clipped to deep square leg for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around off and angling away. This one stays a bit low as Zadran swings and misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, In the air, but wide of the deep mid-wicket fielder. A well-directed bumper, around off. Mohammad Nabi mistimes his pull in the air to the left of Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. The batters take two.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and taps it to cover for a run. That brings up his fifty and what an innings this has been from Zadran so far! His teammates in the dug out stand up and acknowledge his knock as well.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Play and a miss! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to heave it across the line but he misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Slower ball, on a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi eases it to long on for a single.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Milne bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Nabi looks for the pull shot but does not get any bat on it.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi blocks it off the back foot.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran whips it to wide of long on and takes a couple. Good over this for the Afghans as 19 runs came off it!
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Santner fires in a quicker ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran lets it be. Wide called by the umpire.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran flicks it to deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Najibullah Zadran is in the mood! Tossed up, outside off. Najibullah Zadran reaches out and smokes it over Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket who leaps in the air to catch that but the ball goes well over him!
Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. Nabi turns it to the leg side for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, A bit quicker, around middle. Najibullah Zadran miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BOOM! Flatter ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and smacks it over long on for a biggie!
Mitchell Santner (1-0-8-0) is back into the attack.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Yes, he does! Good-length ball, on middle. Najibullah Zadran stays back and turns it to the leg side to collect a single. Just 2 runs off the over and the Kiwis are squeezing things nicely.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, around middle and leg. Mohammad Nabi clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Can Tim Southee finish well?
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Four dots in a row! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle. Mohammad Nabi gets hit on the pad as he misses his flick.
Tim Southee (2-0-9-1) comes back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Southee goes wide of the crease and hurls a length ball, angling in from midde. Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, strayed on the pads. Nabi misses his flick and the ball brushes his pads before going to Devon Conway behind the sticks.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, around middle. Mohammad Nabi tucks it to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, A single to end the over! Floated, around off. Nabi gets forward and works it towards long off. Just 5 runs off the over!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, This is fuller in length, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and drives it to long off for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Just a tad short, outside off. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and eases it to long off to rotate the strike.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, around off. Mohammad Nabi prods and pushes it back to the bowler.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy ball, just outside off. Najibullah Zadran sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Sodhi errs in line and spills this one down leg. Najibullah Zadran looks to sweep but he misses. Wided!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up, around off. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi stays back and steers it to wide of third man to collect a couple of runs.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards deep point. Two was the call but the batters settle for a run in the end.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran hangs back and looks to heave it away but he misses.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Milne hits the deck hard, around middle. Najibullah Zadran rides the bounce and blocks it off the back foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, angling in from middle. Mohammad Nabi prods to defend but it takes the inside edge towards square leg. Nabi gets off the mark with a single.
DRINKS! Just when things Afghanistan were trying to get back into the game they have lost the wicket of Gulbadin Naib at the stroke of Drinks! Najibullah Zadran at the other end is looking in good touch and the Afghans would hope that he carries on his merry way and take them to a respectable total! The skipper, Mohammad Nabi is in at number 6.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and guides it to third man for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Chopped on! Just when it was all going Afghanistan's way, they lose their fourth. This one was short and wide and it was spinning further away. Gulbadin Naib goes after it but ends up getting an inside edge. The ball goes on to hit the off stump and Naib can't believe it. Ish Sodhi provides the breakthrough for New Zealand.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran punches it down to long off for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Dragged down from Sodhi and Naib pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter, around middle and leg. Zadran works it through mid-wicket for one.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, ! It's raining boundaries from the bat of Najibullah Zadran now. On the pads and clipped aerially into the deep square leg fence.
Ish Sodhi is into the attack now.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, on middle and pushed to long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Back-to-back now from Najibullah Zadran! A slice of luck in this one but Zadran won't care. Width on offer and edged down to the third man fence.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Lovely shot from Najibullah Zadran. On middle and lofted nicely over the bowler's head for a boundary.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Yet another single in the over! Banged in, around off and pulled down to deep square leg for a run.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter and angled across the body, Zadran guides it nicely to third man for another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around off. Naib with a back foot punch through covers for a single this time.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On top of off and tapped through the cover region for a single by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly fuller, around middle and worked through mid on for a run.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter one, around off and blocked out by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! Around off and Najibullah Zadran just swats it back past the bowler. The ball races away into the long on fence.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Santner gives this one some air and flights it up on middle. Naib pushes it down to long on for another one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker one, angled across the off stump. Zadran cuts it through cover-point for a run.
Mitchell Santner comes to bowl now.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Shortish ball, on middle. Naib nudges it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Neesham hurls across a length ball, around middle and Zadran blocks it out.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, bowled wider and Naib slashes it towards deep point for a single.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Well-directed short ball, around off. Naib sways his head away from the ball.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for yet another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller one, on middle and drilled won to long on for one.
James Neesham comes into the attack.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, In the air...safe! On middle and Naib launches this one on the leg side. The ball goes miles up in the air and lands safely towards the cow corner fence. The fielder from mid-wicket cuts it out and they get a couple.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more to end the Powerplay and it has been dominated by New Zealand! The Afghans are 23 for 3. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, That is a good bumper! On middle, Zadran evades it. He did well to drop his hands at the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, shorter, Zadran slaps it but to covers.
Tim Southee to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! LBW! That is as plumb as it gets! Good Gurbaz did not review that as his side would have lost one. Southee now comes on and he strikes. Whatever Williamson has done so far in this game has been on point. Outstanding from the Kiwis. Gurbaz was walking across a lot and you are always inviting problems while doing so against a quality bowling line-up. He does so again. Southee goes wide of the crease and spears this full and on middle, Gurbaz looks to fl
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Goes short now and on middle, Zadran looks to pull, is a touch late in the shot. It goes off the splice back to the bowler.
Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. The cover-point fielder runs after it, picks it up and as he tries to lob it to the fielder behind, slips. Just the two though.
Tim Southee (1-0-5-0)Â is back into the attack.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, A good short one to end! Outside off, Naib looks to pull but misses. The short ball has caused problems for the Afghan batters. They though are still going after it.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on off, Gurbaz pushes it to mid off and takes a quick run.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That was audacious! Gurbaz just walks across, he exposes his stumps. Milne bowls a slower one on middle, shorter in length. Gurbaz swings but misses. It goes over the off pole.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good pace! Length and on off, Gurbaz looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, Naib slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This lands safe! No timing again! Short and on middle, Gurbaz looks to ull, it goes more off the bottom part. Lands safe in the fine leg region. One taken.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! TOP EDGE BUT A BOUNDARY! Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! A good short one. On middle, Naib takes his eyes off the ball and looks to pull. It goes off the top edge and over the keeper. Boundary.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on the body, cramps the batter for room. He defends.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on off, Naib pushes it to covers.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter in length and outside off. Naib slashes at it but misses.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Good length and outside off, left alone. Boult has been brilliant so far.
Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! That is one of the most simple chances for Santner and he does not make a mistake! Zazai now walks back and both the openers fall quickly. Not the start Afghanistan wanted but the perfect one for New Zealand. On middle, Zazai looks to flick, he closes the face of the bat quite early. It goes off the leading edge and lobs towards mid-wicket where Santner runs in and takes it. We saw Zazai take quite a cautious approach till the time he was out th
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off and tapped towards point by Gurbaz.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good-length ball, around off. Gurbaz taps it back onto the deck.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Length again, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz just walks across his stumps and flicks it really fine. The ball races away into the fine leg boundary.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off and nipping away. Left alone by Gurbaz.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the new man in.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN, ? NO, THAT IS TAKEN! A really good catch by Devon Conway who just about hangs onto it! The move to get Milne on works wonders as he strikes. This is short and just outside off. Shahzad looks to arch back, tries to make room and cut. It goes more off the toe-end to the right of Conway who seems to have been wrong-footed. He sticks his right hand out, it hits the glove but then pops out, then hits his wrist as he is falling onto the ground an
Adam Milne to Hazratullah Zazai, A run in the end! Shorter and on off, Zazai slaps it towards mid off. They wait for it to get past cover and then go for the run. Taken in the end.
Adam Milne comes to bowl now.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, He does! A good pacey short one, outside off, Shahzad is late as he tries to cut. Too quick for the keeper too who does not collect it cleanly. No run conceded at it hits the glove and rolls to point.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Really good from Boult! Changing his length almost every delivery. Making Shahzad think. A short one now on middle, Mohammad Shahzad ducks under it. Just the one run from the over so far. Can he end it well?
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Good length now and on off, Shahzad plays it to covers.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Bangs it short this time and on middle, good change in length. Ducked under.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Well bowled! Gets the yorker in, it is full and on off, Shahzad jams it out to point.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, Good length and the stumps are targetted! Zazai works it through square leg for one.
Who will bowl from the other end? Trent Boult it is.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Good comeback then by Southee after going for some in the first few balls. 6 from the first over. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Swing and a miss! Fuller and outside off, Shahzad looks to go big but misses. Mohammad Shahzad going after everything here.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Southee gets away with one! On the pads, Shahzad flicks but to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Shahzad has come out with a lot of intent. He steps down the track and this is bowled on middle, Shahzad flicks but to mid on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! Mohammad Shahzad is off the mark in style and he also holds his pose for the cameras. Lovely stroke! Fuller and on off, Shahzad lofts it over the bowler's head. Boundary.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, This time he gets it to shape back in but the line is a little too straight. Zazai looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.
We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time. The players of New Zealand spread out on the field. Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad are the opening batters for Afghanistan. The players take knee to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Tim Southee to start with the ball.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, WIDE! A false start then by Southee! Looks to angle it across the left-hander but bowls it well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.
The players of both teams make their way out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be Afghanistan's anthem followed by New Zealand's.
Rashid Khan is down for a chat. He says that it is a big deal to be a part of a game which will be watched by so many players and generally the games at the back end of the group stages are the ones which are watched the least because teams are already out but it's not the same here. Adds that it is good to play under pressure and go out their and express your skills and perform well. Mentions that he will look to focus on the basics and enjoy today's game. Also adds that against India they had
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will have a bat first. Adds that last time it was a night game and hence they batted second but will try to put a decent total on the board today. Informs that everyone is fit and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back, he will take the place of Sharafuddin Ashraf. Adds that they will play their brand of cricket and look to win the match.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says they would have batted first as well as it is a used pitch. Adds that both sides are a good mix of youth and experience and Afghanistan has match-winners right through their lineup.
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway (WK), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (In for Sharafuddin Ashraf).
TOSS UPDATE - Kane Williamson and Mohammad Nabi are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the latter. Afghanistan have elected to BAT first.
Afghanistan played really well initially in the tournament but against, India, they suffered a very heavy defeat. It will be interesting to see if they have got over it. They are up against New Zealand who have been really professional in this tournament and are favourites heading into this game. Will we see another professional performance from them or do Afghanistan have it in them to get over the line?
....Match Day....
Just the three games left of the Super 12s but one has to say, this one is probably the most important game of the remaining ones. By the end of this game, we will find out which is the 4th team to make it through. India, New Zealand and Afghanistan, all three have a chance. The equation for the Kiwis is quite simple, win and go through. For Afghanistan, it is a bit complicated as even if they do beat the Kiwis, theyâll be dependent on Indiaâs result in the last game of the Super 12. India o
We are back for the second essay! The players of Afghanistan have made their way out to the middle.
....THE RUN CHASE....
Now the wicket seems fine to bat on. There is not a lot of turn and New Zealand do not have to chase a lot. They should gun it down. Afghanistan on the other hand, will look to make it as tough as possible for them. Will the Kiwis book their slot in the semis or is there a twist?
Trent Boult is up for a quick chat. He says that it was a good all-round performance from them and they will take 124 on any day. Adds that they started really well with the ball. Tells that he has been working hard on his death bowling and he is happy that it is paying off. Says that they have a good batting lineup and they would be able to chase it down.
The Afghanistan batting was about just the one man, Zadran! He scored more than half the runs scored by his team and had it not been for him, they would have probably been bowled out for below 100. It seemed like he was batting on a different wicket as the others failed to cross the 20-run mark. Nabi will not be happy especially after electing to bat. However, the positive for them is the recovery, they were three down for nothing but do have something to bowl at.
The pacers did the trick in the first 6. Milne, Southee and Boult got three in the Powerplay which pushed Afghanistan onto the back foot. The middle overs were not upto the mark but the key for the Kiwis was wickets at regular intervals. Everytime the partnership started to build and the runs started to flow a wicket fell. At one stage, 135 did look possible but the Kiwis did really well towards the end too to keep Afghanistan to a score below par.
The Kiwis will be pretty pleased with the first half in this must-win game for them. Have to say, everything was on point for them. Their fielding was outstanding, the bowling was on point and credit to Williamson too whose decisions were outstanding.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, ! TAKEN! A fitting end to a fantastic final over from James Neesham. Wide full toss this time and Rashid Khan does manage to get bat on this one. Khan slices this one in the air and towards cover-point. Kane Williamson dives in from covers and manages to hold on to the catch. Afghanistan END WITH 124/8!
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, This is unreal death bowling from James Neesham. He's got four wide yorkers in a row perfect. Nothing Rashid Khan can do about it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, And yet again! Full and wide, Khan has a wild swing at it but misses.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, The perfect wide yorker from James Neesham. Khan looks to go over covers but gets beaten.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Full and outside off, Rashid Khan can't get any bat on it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Oh my word! This is banged in short. Rashid Khan flat bats it tennis ball style towards the cow corner fence. Daryl Mitchell flies like Superman and manages to pouch it, he also has the presence of mind to flick it back in. Saves two for his team.
James Neesham to bowl the last over.
Trent Boult to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, This one had some sting to it from Boult. Short one, angled into the body. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to sway away from the ball but it comes off the shoulder of the bat and loops up towards backward point.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the new man in.
Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, Fuller one, on off and Khan drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. This is on the pads and Karim Janat rightly looks to deposit this one over the square leg fence. Janat doesn't get any timing on it as the ball goes flat towards the square leg fence. Ish Sodhi takes a smart low catch and Trent Boult gets his third wicket.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Back of a length, this is pulled down to long on for a couple by Janat.
Rashid Khan walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! What a brilliant catch from James Neesham and Najibullah Zadran has to depart after a blsitering knock. A length ball, on off and Zadran looks to smoke it over the long off fence but toe-ends it. The ball goes high, towards the long off fence and James Neesham dives in and takes the catch. Trent Boult with another wicket.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! On the pads and whipped into the deep square leg fence by Najibullah Zadran. He's flying now.
Karim Janat is the new man in.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Tim Southee takes a ripper of a return catch to send Mohammad Nabi packing. Back of a length, around off and Nabi looks to flat-bat it back past the bowler. It is coming back at a rapid pace towards Southee who somehow manages to hang onto it. Nabi can't believe it and this is a good wicket at this point as Nabi can be dangerous towards the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, BYE! Swing and a miss from Zadran. This is outside off and Zadran misses but they scamper through for a bye.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran deserves that bit of luck to be honest. A good short ball, outside off stump. Zadran looks to hook it across but get a top edge and the ball flies into the vacant fine leg fence.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, around middle. Najibullah Zadran whips it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder there fumbles and the batters take two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and smokes it over long off to collect a biggie!
Tim Southee (3-0-11-1) is back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi drags it to long on for a run.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Fullish one, on off and Nabi drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Just short! On middle and Zadran swings aerially across the line. The ball lands in front of the diving fielder who came in from deep square leg. They take two but the umpires call a short run. Just the single then. We saw the Afghans run a few short runs against Namibia too and Najibullah Zadran fails to plant his bat inside the crease here too.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, on leg stump and flicked to deep square leg for a single. The 100 is up now.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Nice change of pace from Trent Boult, deceiving the batter. This one is bowled into the pitch, around off. Najibullah Zadran looks to swing across but gets beaten by the lack of pace.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Singles won't help Afghanistan, they need boundaries. A length ball, caressed through cover-point for a run by Nabi.
Trent Boult (2-0-5-1) comes back to bowl.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Full, on off and squeezed out to deep point for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off and Zadran makes room and slaps it towards long off for a single. Just 5 off the over.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around middle. Najibullah Zadran looks to turn it on the leg side but gets it off the leading edge back to the bowler.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On middle and worked through mid-wicket for a couple by Zadran. Good running.
James Neesham to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, on middle and Nabi dabs it down towards wide long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on middle and leg, clipped to deep square leg for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around off and angling away. This one stays a bit low as Zadran swings and misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, In the air, but wide of the deep mid-wicket fielder. A well-directed bumper, around off. Mohammad Nabi mistimes his pull in the air to the left of Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. The batters take two.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and taps it to cover for a run. That brings up his fifty and what an innings this has been from Zadran so far! His teammates in the dug out stand up and acknowledge his knock as well.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Play and a miss! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to heave it across the line but he misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Slower ball, on a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi eases it to long on for a single.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Milne bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Nabi looks for the pull shot but does not get any bat on it.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi blocks it off the back foot.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran whips it to wide of long on and takes a couple. Good over this for the Afghans as 19 runs came off it!
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Santner fires in a quicker ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran lets it be. Wide called by the umpire.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran flicks it to deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Najibullah Zadran is in the mood! Tossed up, outside off. Najibullah Zadran reaches out and smokes it over Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket who leaps in the air to catch that but the ball goes well over him!
Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. Nabi turns it to the leg side for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, A bit quicker, around middle. Najibullah Zadran miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BOOM! Flatter ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and smacks it over long on for a biggie!
Mitchell Santner (1-0-8-0) is back into the attack.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Yes, he does! Good-length ball, on middle. Najibullah Zadran stays back and turns it to the leg side to collect a single. Just 2 runs off the over and the Kiwis are squeezing things nicely.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, around middle and leg. Mohammad Nabi clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Can Tim Southee finish well?
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Four dots in a row! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle. Mohammad Nabi gets hit on the pad as he misses his flick.
Tim Southee (2-0-9-1) comes back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Southee goes wide of the crease and hurls a length ball, angling in from midde. Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, strayed on the pads. Nabi misses his flick and the ball brushes his pads before going to Devon Conway behind the sticks.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, around middle. Mohammad Nabi tucks it to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, A single to end the over! Floated, around off. Nabi gets forward and works it towards long off. Just 5 runs off the over!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, This is fuller in length, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and drives it to long off for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Just a tad short, outside off. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and eases it to long off to rotate the strike.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, around off. Mohammad Nabi prods and pushes it back to the bowler.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy ball, just outside off. Najibullah Zadran sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Sodhi errs in line and spills this one down leg. Najibullah Zadran looks to sweep but he misses. Wided!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up, around off. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi stays back and steers it to wide of third man to collect a couple of runs.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards deep point. Two was the call but the batters settle for a run in the end.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran hangs back and looks to heave it away but he misses.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Milne hits the deck hard, around middle. Najibullah Zadran rides the bounce and blocks it off the back foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, angling in from middle. Mohammad Nabi prods to defend but it takes the inside edge towards square leg. Nabi gets off the mark with a single.
DRINKS! Just when things Afghanistan were trying to get back into the game they have lost the wicket of Gulbadin Naib at the stroke of Drinks! Najibullah Zadran at the other end is looking in good touch and the Afghans would hope that he carries on his merry way and take them to a respectable total! The skipper, Mohammad Nabi is in at number 6.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and guides it to third man for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Chopped on! Just when it was all going Afghanistan's way, they lose their fourth. This one was short and wide and it was spinning further away. Gulbadin Naib goes after it but ends up getting an inside edge. The ball goes on to hit the off stump and Naib can't believe it. Ish Sodhi provides the breakthrough for New Zealand.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran punches it down to long off for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Dragged down from Sodhi and Naib pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter, around middle and leg. Zadran works it through mid-wicket for one.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, ! It's raining boundaries from the bat of Najibullah Zadran now. On the pads and clipped aerially into the deep square leg fence.
Ish Sodhi is into the attack now.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, on middle and pushed to long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Back-to-back now from Najibullah Zadran! A slice of luck in this one but Zadran won't care. Width on offer and edged down to the third man fence.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Lovely shot from Najibullah Zadran. On middle and lofted nicely over the bowler's head for a boundary.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Yet another single in the over! Banged in, around off and pulled down to deep square leg for a run.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter and angled across the body, Zadran guides it nicely to third man for another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around off. Naib with a back foot punch through covers for a single this time.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On top of off and tapped through the cover region for a single by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly fuller, around middle and worked through mid on for a run.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter one, around off and blocked out by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! Around off and Najibullah Zadran just swats it back past the bowler. The ball races away into the long on fence.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Santner gives this one some air and flights it up on middle. Naib pushes it down to long on for another one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker one, angled across the off stump. Zadran cuts it through cover-point for a run.
Mitchell Santner comes to bowl now.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Shortish ball, on middle. Naib nudges it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Neesham hurls across a length ball, around middle and Zadran blocks it out.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, bowled wider and Naib slashes it towards deep point for a single.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Well-directed short ball, around off. Naib sways his head away from the ball.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for yet another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller one, on middle and drilled won to long on for one.
James Neesham comes into the attack.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, In the air...safe! On middle and Naib launches this one on the leg side. The ball goes miles up in the air and lands safely towards the cow corner fence. The fielder from mid-wicket cuts it out and they get a couple.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more to end the Powerplay and it has been dominated by New Zealand! The Afghans are 23 for 3. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, That is a good bumper! On middle, Zadran evades it. He did well to drop his hands at the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, shorter, Zadran slaps it but to covers.
Tim Southee to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! LBW! That is as plumb as it gets! Good Gurbaz did not review that as his side would have lost one. Southee now comes on and he strikes. Whatever Williamson has done so far in this game has been on point. Outstanding from the Kiwis. Gurbaz was walking across a lot and you are always inviting problems while doing so against a quality bowling line-up. He does so again. Southee goes wide of the crease and spears this full and on middle, Gurbaz looks to fl
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Goes short now and on middle, Zadran looks to pull, is a touch late in the shot. It goes off the splice back to the bowler.
Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. The cover-point fielder runs after it, picks it up and as he tries to lob it to the fielder behind, slips. Just the two though.
Tim Southee (1-0-5-0)Â is back into the attack.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, A good short one to end! Outside off, Naib looks to pull but misses. The short ball has caused problems for the Afghan batters. They though are still going after it.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on off, Gurbaz pushes it to mid off and takes a quick run.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That was audacious! Gurbaz just walks across, he exposes his stumps. Milne bowls a slower one on middle, shorter in length. Gurbaz swings but misses. It goes over the off pole.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good pace! Length and on off, Gurbaz looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, Naib slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This lands safe! No timing again! Short and on middle, Gurbaz looks to ull, it goes more off the bottom part. Lands safe in the fine leg region. One taken.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! TOP EDGE BUT A BOUNDARY! Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! A good short one. On middle, Naib takes his eyes off the ball and looks to pull. It goes off the top edge and over the keeper. Boundary.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on the body, cramps the batter for room. He defends.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on off, Naib pushes it to covers.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter in length and outside off. Naib slashes at it but misses.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Good length and outside off, left alone. Boult has been brilliant so far.
Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! That is one of the most simple chances for Santner and he does not make a mistake! Zazai now walks back and both the openers fall quickly. Not the start Afghanistan wanted but the perfect one for New Zealand. On middle, Zazai looks to flick, he closes the face of the bat quite early. It goes off the leading edge and lobs towards mid-wicket where Santner runs in and takes it. We saw Zazai take quite a cautious approach till the time he was out th
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off and tapped towards point by Gurbaz.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good-length ball, around off. Gurbaz taps it back onto the deck.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Length again, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz just walks across his stumps and flicks it really fine. The ball races away into the fine leg boundary.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off and nipping away. Left alone by Gurbaz.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the new man in.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN, ? NO, THAT IS TAKEN! A really good catch by Devon Conway who just about hangs onto it! The move to get Milne on works wonders as he strikes. This is short and just outside off. Shahzad looks to arch back, tries to make room and cut. It goes more off the toe-end to the right of Conway who seems to have been wrong-footed. He sticks his right hand out, it hits the glove but then pops out, then hits his wrist as he is falling onto the ground an
Adam Milne to Hazratullah Zazai, A run in the end! Shorter and on off, Zazai slaps it towards mid off. They wait for it to get past cover and then go for the run. Taken in the end.
Adam Milne comes to bowl now.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, He does! A good pacey short one, outside off, Shahzad is late as he tries to cut. Too quick for the keeper too who does not collect it cleanly. No run conceded at it hits the glove and rolls to point.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Really good from Boult! Changing his length almost every delivery. Making Shahzad think. A short one now on middle, Mohammad Shahzad ducks under it. Just the one run from the over so far. Can he end it well?
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Good length now and on off, Shahzad plays it to covers.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Bangs it short this time and on middle, good change in length. Ducked under.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Well bowled! Gets the yorker in, it is full and on off, Shahzad jams it out to point.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, Good length and the stumps are targetted! Zazai works it through square leg for one.
Who will bowl from the other end? Trent Boult it is.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Good comeback then by Southee after going for some in the first few balls. 6 from the first over. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Swing and a miss! Fuller and outside off, Shahzad looks to go big but misses. Mohammad Shahzad going after everything here.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Southee gets away with one! On the pads, Shahzad flicks but to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Shahzad has come out with a lot of intent. He steps down the track and this is bowled on middle, Shahzad flicks but to mid on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! Mohammad Shahzad is off the mark in style and he also holds his pose for the cameras. Lovely stroke! Fuller and on off, Shahzad lofts it over the bowler's head. Boundary.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, This time he gets it to shape back in but the line is a little too straight. Zazai looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.
We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time. The players of New Zealand spread out on the field. Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad are the opening batters for Afghanistan. The players take knee to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Tim Southee to start with the ball.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, WIDE! A false start then by Southee! Looks to angle it across the left-hander but bowls it well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.
The players of both teams make their way out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be Afghanistan's anthem followed by New Zealand's.
Rashid Khan is down for a chat. He says that it is a big deal to be a part of a game which will be watched by so many players and generally the games at the back end of the group stages are the ones which are watched the least because teams are already out but it's not the same here. Adds that it is good to play under pressure and go out their and express your skills and perform well. Mentions that he will look to focus on the basics and enjoy today's game. Also adds that against India they had
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will have a bat first. Adds that last time it was a night game and hence they batted second but will try to put a decent total on the board today. Informs that everyone is fit and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back, he will take the place of Sharafuddin Ashraf. Adds that they will play their brand of cricket and look to win the match.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says they would have batted first as well as it is a used pitch. Adds that both sides are a good mix of youth and experience and Afghanistan has match-winners right through their lineup.
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway (WK), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (In for Sharafuddin Ashraf).
TOSS UPDATE - Kane Williamson and Mohammad Nabi are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the latter. Afghanistan have elected to BAT first.
Afghanistan played really well initially in the tournament but against, India, they suffered a very heavy defeat. It will be interesting to see if they have got over it. They are up against New Zealand who have been really professional in this tournament and are favourites heading into this game. Will we see another professional performance from them or do Afghanistan have it in them to get over the line?
....Match Day....
Just the three games left of the Super 12s but one has to say, this one is probably the most important game of the remaining ones. By the end of this game, we will find out which is the 4th team to make it through. India, New Zealand and Afghanistan, all three have a chance. The equation for the Kiwis is quite simple, win and go through. For Afghanistan, it is a bit complicated as even if they do beat the Kiwis, theyâll be dependent on Indiaâs result in the last game of the Super 12. India o
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New Zealand
125/2(18.1 Overs)
We are back for the second essay! The players of Afghanistan have made their way out to the middle.
....THE RUN CHASE....
Now the wicket seems fine to bat on. There is not a lot of turn and New Zealand do not have to chase a lot. They should gun it down. Afghanistan on the other hand, will look to make it as tough as possible for them. Will the Kiwis book their slot in the semis or is there a twist?
Trent Boult is up for a quick chat. He says that it was a good all-round performance from them and they will take 124 on any day. Adds that they started really well with the ball. Tells that he has been working hard on his death bowling and he is happy that it is paying off. Says that they have a good batting lineup and they would be able to chase it down.
The Afghanistan batting was about just the one man, Zadran! He scored more than half the runs scored by his team and had it not been for him, they would have probably been bowled out for below 100. It seemed like he was batting on a different wicket as the others failed to cross the 20-run mark. Nabi will not be happy especially after electing to bat. However, the positive for them is the recovery, they were three down for nothing but do have something to bowl at.
The pacers did the trick in the first 6. Milne, Southee and Boult got three in the Powerplay which pushed Afghanistan onto the back foot. The middle overs were not upto the mark but the key for the Kiwis was wickets at regular intervals. Everytime the partnership started to build and the runs started to flow a wicket fell. At one stage, 135 did look possible but the Kiwis did really well towards the end too to keep Afghanistan to a score below par.
The Kiwis will be pretty pleased with the first half in this must-win game for them. Have to say, everything was on point for them. Their fielding was outstanding, the bowling was on point and credit to Williamson too whose decisions were outstanding.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, ! TAKEN! A fitting end to a fantastic final over from James Neesham. Wide full toss this time and Rashid Khan does manage to get bat on this one. Khan slices this one in the air and towards cover-point. Kane Williamson dives in from covers and manages to hold on to the catch. Afghanistan END WITH 124/8!
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, This is unreal death bowling from James Neesham. He's got four wide yorkers in a row perfect. Nothing Rashid Khan can do about it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, And yet again! Full and wide, Khan has a wild swing at it but misses.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, The perfect wide yorker from James Neesham. Khan looks to go over covers but gets beaten.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Full and outside off, Rashid Khan can't get any bat on it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Oh my word! This is banged in short. Rashid Khan flat bats it tennis ball style towards the cow corner fence. Daryl Mitchell flies like Superman and manages to pouch it, he also has the presence of mind to flick it back in. Saves two for his team.
James Neesham to bowl the last over.
Trent Boult to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, This one had some sting to it from Boult. Short one, angled into the body. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to sway away from the ball but it comes off the shoulder of the bat and loops up towards backward point.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the new man in.
Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, Fuller one, on off and Khan drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. This is on the pads and Karim Janat rightly looks to deposit this one over the square leg fence. Janat doesn't get any timing on it as the ball goes flat towards the square leg fence. Ish Sodhi takes a smart low catch and Trent Boult gets his third wicket.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Back of a length, this is pulled down to long on for a couple by Janat.
Rashid Khan walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! What a brilliant catch from James Neesham and Najibullah Zadran has to depart after a blsitering knock. A length ball, on off and Zadran looks to smoke it over the long off fence but toe-ends it. The ball goes high, towards the long off fence and James Neesham dives in and takes the catch. Trent Boult with another wicket.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! On the pads and whipped into the deep square leg fence by Najibullah Zadran. He's flying now.
Karim Janat is the new man in.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Tim Southee takes a ripper of a return catch to send Mohammad Nabi packing. Back of a length, around off and Nabi looks to flat-bat it back past the bowler. It is coming back at a rapid pace towards Southee who somehow manages to hang onto it. Nabi can't believe it and this is a good wicket at this point as Nabi can be dangerous towards the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, BYE! Swing and a miss from Zadran. This is outside off and Zadran misses but they scamper through for a bye.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran deserves that bit of luck to be honest. A good short ball, outside off stump. Zadran looks to hook it across but get a top edge and the ball flies into the vacant fine leg fence.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, around middle. Najibullah Zadran whips it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder there fumbles and the batters take two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and smokes it over long off to collect a biggie!
Tim Southee (3-0-11-1) is back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi drags it to long on for a run.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Fullish one, on off and Nabi drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Just short! On middle and Zadran swings aerially across the line. The ball lands in front of the diving fielder who came in from deep square leg. They take two but the umpires call a short run. Just the single then. We saw the Afghans run a few short runs against Namibia too and Najibullah Zadran fails to plant his bat inside the crease here too.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, on leg stump and flicked to deep square leg for a single. The 100 is up now.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Nice change of pace from Trent Boult, deceiving the batter. This one is bowled into the pitch, around off. Najibullah Zadran looks to swing across but gets beaten by the lack of pace.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Singles won't help Afghanistan, they need boundaries. A length ball, caressed through cover-point for a run by Nabi.
Trent Boult (2-0-5-1) comes back to bowl.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Full, on off and squeezed out to deep point for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off and Zadran makes room and slaps it towards long off for a single. Just 5 off the over.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around middle. Najibullah Zadran looks to turn it on the leg side but gets it off the leading edge back to the bowler.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On middle and worked through mid-wicket for a couple by Zadran. Good running.
James Neesham to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, on middle and Nabi dabs it down towards wide long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on middle and leg, clipped to deep square leg for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around off and angling away. This one stays a bit low as Zadran swings and misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, In the air, but wide of the deep mid-wicket fielder. A well-directed bumper, around off. Mohammad Nabi mistimes his pull in the air to the left of Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. The batters take two.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and taps it to cover for a run. That brings up his fifty and what an innings this has been from Zadran so far! His teammates in the dug out stand up and acknowledge his knock as well.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Play and a miss! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to heave it across the line but he misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Slower ball, on a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi eases it to long on for a single.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Milne bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Nabi looks for the pull shot but does not get any bat on it.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi blocks it off the back foot.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran whips it to wide of long on and takes a couple. Good over this for the Afghans as 19 runs came off it!
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Santner fires in a quicker ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran lets it be. Wide called by the umpire.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran flicks it to deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Najibullah Zadran is in the mood! Tossed up, outside off. Najibullah Zadran reaches out and smokes it over Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket who leaps in the air to catch that but the ball goes well over him!
Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. Nabi turns it to the leg side for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, A bit quicker, around middle. Najibullah Zadran miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BOOM! Flatter ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and smacks it over long on for a biggie!
Mitchell Santner (1-0-8-0) is back into the attack.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Yes, he does! Good-length ball, on middle. Najibullah Zadran stays back and turns it to the leg side to collect a single. Just 2 runs off the over and the Kiwis are squeezing things nicely.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, around middle and leg. Mohammad Nabi clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Can Tim Southee finish well?
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Four dots in a row! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle. Mohammad Nabi gets hit on the pad as he misses his flick.
Tim Southee (2-0-9-1) comes back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Southee goes wide of the crease and hurls a length ball, angling in from midde. Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, strayed on the pads. Nabi misses his flick and the ball brushes his pads before going to Devon Conway behind the sticks.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, around middle. Mohammad Nabi tucks it to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, A single to end the over! Floated, around off. Nabi gets forward and works it towards long off. Just 5 runs off the over!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, This is fuller in length, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and drives it to long off for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Just a tad short, outside off. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and eases it to long off to rotate the strike.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, around off. Mohammad Nabi prods and pushes it back to the bowler.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy ball, just outside off. Najibullah Zadran sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Sodhi errs in line and spills this one down leg. Najibullah Zadran looks to sweep but he misses. Wided!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up, around off. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi stays back and steers it to wide of third man to collect a couple of runs.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards deep point. Two was the call but the batters settle for a run in the end.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran hangs back and looks to heave it away but he misses.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Milne hits the deck hard, around middle. Najibullah Zadran rides the bounce and blocks it off the back foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, angling in from middle. Mohammad Nabi prods to defend but it takes the inside edge towards square leg. Nabi gets off the mark with a single.
DRINKS! Just when things Afghanistan were trying to get back into the game they have lost the wicket of Gulbadin Naib at the stroke of Drinks! Najibullah Zadran at the other end is looking in good touch and the Afghans would hope that he carries on his merry way and take them to a respectable total! The skipper, Mohammad Nabi is in at number 6.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and guides it to third man for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Chopped on! Just when it was all going Afghanistan's way, they lose their fourth. This one was short and wide and it was spinning further away. Gulbadin Naib goes after it but ends up getting an inside edge. The ball goes on to hit the off stump and Naib can't believe it. Ish Sodhi provides the breakthrough for New Zealand.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran punches it down to long off for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Dragged down from Sodhi and Naib pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter, around middle and leg. Zadran works it through mid-wicket for one.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, ! It's raining boundaries from the bat of Najibullah Zadran now. On the pads and clipped aerially into the deep square leg fence.
Ish Sodhi is into the attack now.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, on middle and pushed to long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Back-to-back now from Najibullah Zadran! A slice of luck in this one but Zadran won't care. Width on offer and edged down to the third man fence.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Lovely shot from Najibullah Zadran. On middle and lofted nicely over the bowler's head for a boundary.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Yet another single in the over! Banged in, around off and pulled down to deep square leg for a run.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter and angled across the body, Zadran guides it nicely to third man for another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around off. Naib with a back foot punch through covers for a single this time.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On top of off and tapped through the cover region for a single by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly fuller, around middle and worked through mid on for a run.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter one, around off and blocked out by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! Around off and Najibullah Zadran just swats it back past the bowler. The ball races away into the long on fence.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Santner gives this one some air and flights it up on middle. Naib pushes it down to long on for another one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker one, angled across the off stump. Zadran cuts it through cover-point for a run.
Mitchell Santner comes to bowl now.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Shortish ball, on middle. Naib nudges it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Neesham hurls across a length ball, around middle and Zadran blocks it out.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, bowled wider and Naib slashes it towards deep point for a single.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Well-directed short ball, around off. Naib sways his head away from the ball.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for yet another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller one, on middle and drilled won to long on for one.
James Neesham comes into the attack.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, In the air...safe! On middle and Naib launches this one on the leg side. The ball goes miles up in the air and lands safely towards the cow corner fence. The fielder from mid-wicket cuts it out and they get a couple.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more to end the Powerplay and it has been dominated by New Zealand! The Afghans are 23 for 3. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, That is a good bumper! On middle, Zadran evades it. He did well to drop his hands at the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, shorter, Zadran slaps it but to covers.
Tim Southee to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! LBW! That is as plumb as it gets! Good Gurbaz did not review that as his side would have lost one. Southee now comes on and he strikes. Whatever Williamson has done so far in this game has been on point. Outstanding from the Kiwis. Gurbaz was walking across a lot and you are always inviting problems while doing so against a quality bowling line-up. He does so again. Southee goes wide of the crease and spears this full and on middle, Gurbaz looks to fl
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Goes short now and on middle, Zadran looks to pull, is a touch late in the shot. It goes off the splice back to the bowler.
Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. The cover-point fielder runs after it, picks it up and as he tries to lob it to the fielder behind, slips. Just the two though.
Tim Southee (1-0-5-0)Â is back into the attack.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, A good short one to end! Outside off, Naib looks to pull but misses. The short ball has caused problems for the Afghan batters. They though are still going after it.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on off, Gurbaz pushes it to mid off and takes a quick run.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That was audacious! Gurbaz just walks across, he exposes his stumps. Milne bowls a slower one on middle, shorter in length. Gurbaz swings but misses. It goes over the off pole.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good pace! Length and on off, Gurbaz looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, Naib slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This lands safe! No timing again! Short and on middle, Gurbaz looks to ull, it goes more off the bottom part. Lands safe in the fine leg region. One taken.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! TOP EDGE BUT A BOUNDARY! Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! A good short one. On middle, Naib takes his eyes off the ball and looks to pull. It goes off the top edge and over the keeper. Boundary.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on the body, cramps the batter for room. He defends.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on off, Naib pushes it to covers.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter in length and outside off. Naib slashes at it but misses.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Good length and outside off, left alone. Boult has been brilliant so far.
Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! That is one of the most simple chances for Santner and he does not make a mistake! Zazai now walks back and both the openers fall quickly. Not the start Afghanistan wanted but the perfect one for New Zealand. On middle, Zazai looks to flick, he closes the face of the bat quite early. It goes off the leading edge and lobs towards mid-wicket where Santner runs in and takes it. We saw Zazai take quite a cautious approach till the time he was out th
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off and tapped towards point by Gurbaz.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good-length ball, around off. Gurbaz taps it back onto the deck.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Length again, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz just walks across his stumps and flicks it really fine. The ball races away into the fine leg boundary.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off and nipping away. Left alone by Gurbaz.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the new man in.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN, ? NO, THAT IS TAKEN! A really good catch by Devon Conway who just about hangs onto it! The move to get Milne on works wonders as he strikes. This is short and just outside off. Shahzad looks to arch back, tries to make room and cut. It goes more off the toe-end to the right of Conway who seems to have been wrong-footed. He sticks his right hand out, it hits the glove but then pops out, then hits his wrist as he is falling onto the ground an
Adam Milne to Hazratullah Zazai, A run in the end! Shorter and on off, Zazai slaps it towards mid off. They wait for it to get past cover and then go for the run. Taken in the end.
Adam Milne comes to bowl now.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, He does! A good pacey short one, outside off, Shahzad is late as he tries to cut. Too quick for the keeper too who does not collect it cleanly. No run conceded at it hits the glove and rolls to point.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Really good from Boult! Changing his length almost every delivery. Making Shahzad think. A short one now on middle, Mohammad Shahzad ducks under it. Just the one run from the over so far. Can he end it well?
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Good length now and on off, Shahzad plays it to covers.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Bangs it short this time and on middle, good change in length. Ducked under.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Well bowled! Gets the yorker in, it is full and on off, Shahzad jams it out to point.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, Good length and the stumps are targetted! Zazai works it through square leg for one.
Who will bowl from the other end? Trent Boult it is.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Good comeback then by Southee after going for some in the first few balls. 6 from the first over. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Swing and a miss! Fuller and outside off, Shahzad looks to go big but misses. Mohammad Shahzad going after everything here.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Southee gets away with one! On the pads, Shahzad flicks but to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Shahzad has come out with a lot of intent. He steps down the track and this is bowled on middle, Shahzad flicks but to mid on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! Mohammad Shahzad is off the mark in style and he also holds his pose for the cameras. Lovely stroke! Fuller and on off, Shahzad lofts it over the bowler's head. Boundary.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, This time he gets it to shape back in but the line is a little too straight. Zazai looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.
We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time. The players of New Zealand spread out on the field. Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad are the opening batters for Afghanistan. The players take knee to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Tim Southee to start with the ball.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, WIDE! A false start then by Southee! Looks to angle it across the left-hander but bowls it well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.
The players of both teams make their way out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be Afghanistan's anthem followed by New Zealand's.
Rashid Khan is down for a chat. He says that it is a big deal to be a part of a game which will be watched by so many players and generally the games at the back end of the group stages are the ones which are watched the least because teams are already out but it's not the same here. Adds that it is good to play under pressure and go out their and express your skills and perform well. Mentions that he will look to focus on the basics and enjoy today's game. Also adds that against India they had
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will have a bat first. Adds that last time it was a night game and hence they batted second but will try to put a decent total on the board today. Informs that everyone is fit and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back, he will take the place of Sharafuddin Ashraf. Adds that they will play their brand of cricket and look to win the match.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says they would have batted first as well as it is a used pitch. Adds that both sides are a good mix of youth and experience and Afghanistan has match-winners right through their lineup.
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway (WK), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (In for Sharafuddin Ashraf).
TOSS UPDATE - Kane Williamson and Mohammad Nabi are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the latter. Afghanistan have elected to BAT first.
Afghanistan played really well initially in the tournament but against, India, they suffered a very heavy defeat. It will be interesting to see if they have got over it. They are up against New Zealand who have been really professional in this tournament and are favourites heading into this game. Will we see another professional performance from them or do Afghanistan have it in them to get over the line?
....Match Day....
Just the three games left of the Super 12s but one has to say, this one is probably the most important game of the remaining ones. By the end of this game, we will find out which is the 4th team to make it through. India, New Zealand and Afghanistan, all three have a chance. The equation for the Kiwis is quite simple, win and go through. For Afghanistan, it is a bit complicated as even if they do beat the Kiwis, theyâll be dependent on Indiaâs result in the last game of the Super 12. India o
We are back for the second essay! The players of Afghanistan have made their way out to the middle.
....THE RUN CHASE....
Now the wicket seems fine to bat on. There is not a lot of turn and New Zealand do not have to chase a lot. They should gun it down. Afghanistan on the other hand, will look to make it as tough as possible for them. Will the Kiwis book their slot in the semis or is there a twist?
Trent Boult is up for a quick chat. He says that it was a good all-round performance from them and they will take 124 on any day. Adds that they started really well with the ball. Tells that he has been working hard on his death bowling and he is happy that it is paying off. Says that they have a good batting lineup and they would be able to chase it down.
The Afghanistan batting was about just the one man, Zadran! He scored more than half the runs scored by his team and had it not been for him, they would have probably been bowled out for below 100. It seemed like he was batting on a different wicket as the others failed to cross the 20-run mark. Nabi will not be happy especially after electing to bat. However, the positive for them is the recovery, they were three down for nothing but do have something to bowl at.
The pacers did the trick in the first 6. Milne, Southee and Boult got three in the Powerplay which pushed Afghanistan onto the back foot. The middle overs were not upto the mark but the key for the Kiwis was wickets at regular intervals. Everytime the partnership started to build and the runs started to flow a wicket fell. At one stage, 135 did look possible but the Kiwis did really well towards the end too to keep Afghanistan to a score below par.
The Kiwis will be pretty pleased with the first half in this must-win game for them. Have to say, everything was on point for them. Their fielding was outstanding, the bowling was on point and credit to Williamson too whose decisions were outstanding.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, ! TAKEN! A fitting end to a fantastic final over from James Neesham. Wide full toss this time and Rashid Khan does manage to get bat on this one. Khan slices this one in the air and towards cover-point. Kane Williamson dives in from covers and manages to hold on to the catch. Afghanistan END WITH 124/8!
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, This is unreal death bowling from James Neesham. He's got four wide yorkers in a row perfect. Nothing Rashid Khan can do about it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, And yet again! Full and wide, Khan has a wild swing at it but misses.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, The perfect wide yorker from James Neesham. Khan looks to go over covers but gets beaten.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Full and outside off, Rashid Khan can't get any bat on it.
James Neesham to Rashid Khan, Oh my word! This is banged in short. Rashid Khan flat bats it tennis ball style towards the cow corner fence. Daryl Mitchell flies like Superman and manages to pouch it, he also has the presence of mind to flick it back in. Saves two for his team.
James Neesham to bowl the last over.
Trent Boult to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, This one had some sting to it from Boult. Short one, angled into the body. Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to sway away from the ball but it comes off the shoulder of the bat and loops up towards backward point.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the new man in.
Trent Boult to Rashid Khan, Fuller one, on off and Khan drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, ! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. This is on the pads and Karim Janat rightly looks to deposit this one over the square leg fence. Janat doesn't get any timing on it as the ball goes flat towards the square leg fence. Ish Sodhi takes a smart low catch and Trent Boult gets his third wicket.
Trent Boult to Karim Janat, Back of a length, this is pulled down to long on for a couple by Janat.
Rashid Khan walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! TAKEN! What a brilliant catch from James Neesham and Najibullah Zadran has to depart after a blsitering knock. A length ball, on off and Zadran looks to smoke it over the long off fence but toe-ends it. The ball goes high, towards the long off fence and James Neesham dives in and takes the catch. Trent Boult with another wicket.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, ! On the pads and whipped into the deep square leg fence by Najibullah Zadran. He's flying now.
Karim Janat is the new man in.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Tim Southee takes a ripper of a return catch to send Mohammad Nabi packing. Back of a length, around off and Nabi looks to flat-bat it back past the bowler. It is coming back at a rapid pace towards Southee who somehow manages to hang onto it. Nabi can't believe it and this is a good wicket at this point as Nabi can be dangerous towards the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, BYE! Swing and a miss from Zadran. This is outside off and Zadran misses but they scamper through for a bye.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! Najibullah Zadran deserves that bit of luck to be honest. A good short ball, outside off stump. Zadran looks to hook it across but get a top edge and the ball flies into the vacant fine leg fence.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, around middle. Najibullah Zadran whips it to deep mid-wicket. The fielder there fumbles and the batters take two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and smokes it over long off to collect a biggie!
Tim Southee (3-0-11-1) is back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi drags it to long on for a run.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Fullish one, on off and Nabi drives it through covers for a single.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Just short! On middle and Zadran swings aerially across the line. The ball lands in front of the diving fielder who came in from deep square leg. They take two but the umpires call a short run. Just the single then. We saw the Afghans run a few short runs against Namibia too and Najibullah Zadran fails to plant his bat inside the crease here too.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, on leg stump and flicked to deep square leg for a single. The 100 is up now.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Nice change of pace from Trent Boult, deceiving the batter. This one is bowled into the pitch, around off. Najibullah Zadran looks to swing across but gets beaten by the lack of pace.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Nabi, Singles won't help Afghanistan, they need boundaries. A length ball, caressed through cover-point for a run by Nabi.
Trent Boult (2-0-5-1) comes back to bowl.
Trent Boult to Najibullah Zadran, Full, on off and squeezed out to deep point for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off and Zadran makes room and slaps it towards long off for a single. Just 5 off the over.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around middle. Najibullah Zadran looks to turn it on the leg side but gets it off the leading edge back to the bowler.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On middle and worked through mid-wicket for a couple by Zadran. Good running.
James Neesham to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, on middle and Nabi dabs it down towards wide long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length again, on middle and leg, clipped to deep square leg for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, A length ball, around off and angling away. This one stays a bit low as Zadran swings and misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, In the air, but wide of the deep mid-wicket fielder. A well-directed bumper, around off. Mohammad Nabi mistimes his pull in the air to the left of Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. The batters take two.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Good-length ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and taps it to cover for a run. That brings up his fifty and what an innings this has been from Zadran so far! His teammates in the dug out stand up and acknowledge his knock as well.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Play and a miss! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to heave it across the line but he misses.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Slower ball, on a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi eases it to long on for a single.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Milne bangs it into the deck, around middle. Mohammad Nabi looks for the pull shot but does not get any bat on it.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi blocks it off the back foot.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Fuller in length, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran whips it to wide of long on and takes a couple. Good over this for the Afghans as 19 runs came off it!
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Santner fires in a quicker ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran lets it be. Wide called by the umpire.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter ball, on middle and leg. Najibullah Zadran flicks it to deep mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BANG! Najibullah Zadran is in the mood! Tossed up, outside off. Najibullah Zadran reaches out and smokes it over Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket who leaps in the air to catch that but the ball goes well over him!
Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Nabi, Flatter ball, darted on the pads. Nabi turns it to the leg side for a single.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, A bit quicker, around middle. Najibullah Zadran miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! BOOM! Flatter ball, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and smacks it over long on for a biggie!
Mitchell Santner (1-0-8-0) is back into the attack.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Yes, he does! Good-length ball, on middle. Najibullah Zadran stays back and turns it to the leg side to collect a single. Just 2 runs off the over and the Kiwis are squeezing things nicely.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, around middle and leg. Mohammad Nabi clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Can Tim Southee finish well?
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Four dots in a row! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle. Mohammad Nabi gets hit on the pad as he misses his flick.
Tim Southee (2-0-9-1) comes back on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Southee goes wide of the crease and hurls a length ball, angling in from midde. Mohammad Nabi flicks it to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, strayed on the pads. Nabi misses his flick and the ball brushes his pads before going to Devon Conway behind the sticks.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Nabi, Good-length ball, around middle. Mohammad Nabi tucks it to mid-wicket.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, A single to end the over! Floated, around off. Nabi gets forward and works it towards long off. Just 5 runs off the over!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, This is fuller in length, around off. Najibullah Zadran clears his front leg and drives it to long off for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Just a tad short, outside off. Mohammad Nabi rocks back and eases it to long off to rotate the strike.
Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, around off. Mohammad Nabi prods and pushes it back to the bowler.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Loopy ball, just outside off. Najibullah Zadran sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Sodhi errs in line and spills this one down leg. Najibullah Zadran looks to sweep but he misses. Wided!
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up, around off. Najibullah Zadran defends it off the front foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi stays back and steers it to wide of third man to collect a couple of runs.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, outside off. Najibullah Zadran looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards deep point. Two was the call but the batters settle for a run in the end.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Swing and a miss! Slower ball, shorter in length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran hangs back and looks to heave it away but he misses.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Milne hits the deck hard, around middle. Najibullah Zadran rides the bounce and blocks it off the back foot.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Nabi, Length ball, angling in from middle. Mohammad Nabi prods to defend but it takes the inside edge towards square leg. Nabi gets off the mark with a single.
DRINKS! Just when things Afghanistan were trying to get back into the game they have lost the wicket of Gulbadin Naib at the stroke of Drinks! Najibullah Zadran at the other end is looking in good touch and the Afghans would hope that he carries on his merry way and take them to a respectable total! The skipper, Mohammad Nabi is in at number 6.
Adam Milne to Najibullah Zadran, Back of a length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays back and guides it to third man for a run.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, ! Chopped on! Just when it was all going Afghanistan's way, they lose their fourth. This one was short and wide and it was spinning further away. Gulbadin Naib goes after it but ends up getting an inside edge. The ball goes on to hit the off stump and Naib can't believe it. Ish Sodhi provides the breakthrough for New Zealand.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, On a length, around off. Zadran punches it down to long off for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Dragged down from Sodhi and Naib pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter, around middle and leg. Zadran works it through mid-wicket for one.
Ish Sodhi to Najibullah Zadran, ! It's raining boundaries from the bat of Najibullah Zadran now. On the pads and clipped aerially into the deep square leg fence.
Ish Sodhi is into the attack now.
Ish Sodhi to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up, on middle and pushed to long on for one.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Back-to-back now from Najibullah Zadran! A slice of luck in this one but Zadran won't care. Width on offer and edged down to the third man fence.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, ! Lovely shot from Najibullah Zadran. On middle and lofted nicely over the bowler's head for a boundary.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Yet another single in the over! Banged in, around off and pulled down to deep square leg for a run.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly shorter and angled across the body, Zadran guides it nicely to third man for another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around off. Naib with a back foot punch through covers for a single this time.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, On top of off and tapped through the cover region for a single by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Slightly fuller, around middle and worked through mid on for a run.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Flatter one, around off and blocked out by Zadran.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, ! Around off and Najibullah Zadran just swats it back past the bowler. The ball races away into the long on fence.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Santner gives this one some air and flights it up on middle. Naib pushes it down to long on for another one.
Mitchell Santner to Najibullah Zadran, Quicker one, angled across the off stump. Zadran cuts it through cover-point for a run.
Mitchell Santner comes to bowl now.
Mitchell Santner to Gulbadin Naib, Shortish ball, on middle. Naib nudges it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Neesham hurls across a length ball, around middle and Zadran blocks it out.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Slower one, bowled wider and Naib slashes it towards deep point for a single.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Well-directed short ball, around off. Naib sways his head away from the ball.
James Neesham to Najibullah Zadran, Length ball, on middle and leg. Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for yet another one.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, Fuller one, on middle and drilled won to long on for one.
James Neesham comes into the attack.
James Neesham to Gulbadin Naib, In the air...safe! On middle and Naib launches this one on the leg side. The ball goes miles up in the air and lands safely towards the cow corner fence. The fielder from mid-wicket cuts it out and they get a couple.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more to end the Powerplay and it has been dominated by New Zealand! The Afghans are 23 for 3. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, That is a good bumper! On middle, Zadran evades it. He did well to drop his hands at the end.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, shorter, Zadran slaps it but to covers.
Tim Southee to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! LBW! That is as plumb as it gets! Good Gurbaz did not review that as his side would have lost one. Southee now comes on and he strikes. Whatever Williamson has done so far in this game has been on point. Outstanding from the Kiwis. Gurbaz was walking across a lot and you are always inviting problems while doing so against a quality bowling line-up. He does so again. Southee goes wide of the crease and spears this full and on middle, Gurbaz looks to fl
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Goes short now and on middle, Zadran looks to pull, is a touch late in the shot. It goes off the splice back to the bowler.
Najibullah Zadran walks out to bat now.
Tim Southee to Najibullah Zadran, Two more! Fuller and outside off, this is driven through covers. The cover-point fielder runs after it, picks it up and as he tries to lob it to the fielder behind, slips. Just the two though.
Tim Southee (1-0-5-0)Â is back into the attack.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, A good short one to end! Outside off, Naib looks to pull but misses. The short ball has caused problems for the Afghan batters. They though are still going after it.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller and on off, Gurbaz pushes it to mid off and takes a quick run.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That was audacious! Gurbaz just walks across, he exposes his stumps. Milne bowls a slower one on middle, shorter in length. Gurbaz swings but misses. It goes over the off pole.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good pace! Length and on off, Gurbaz looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Adam Milne to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, Naib slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge down to third man for one.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This lands safe! No timing again! Short and on middle, Gurbaz looks to ull, it goes more off the bottom part. Lands safe in the fine leg region. One taken.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, ! TOP EDGE BUT A BOUNDARY! Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do! A good short one. On middle, Naib takes his eyes off the ball and looks to pull. It goes off the top edge and over the keeper. Boundary.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on the body, cramps the batter for room. He defends.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length and on off, Naib pushes it to covers.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Slightly shorter in length and outside off. Naib slashes at it but misses.
Trent Boult to Gulbadin Naib, Good length and outside off, left alone. Boult has been brilliant so far.
Gulbadin Naib walks out to bat.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, ! TAKEN! That is one of the most simple chances for Santner and he does not make a mistake! Zazai now walks back and both the openers fall quickly. Not the start Afghanistan wanted but the perfect one for New Zealand. On middle, Zazai looks to flick, he closes the face of the bat quite early. It goes off the leading edge and lobs towards mid-wicket where Santner runs in and takes it. We saw Zazai take quite a cautious approach till the time he was out th
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off and tapped towards point by Gurbaz.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good-length ball, around off. Gurbaz taps it back onto the deck.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ! Length again, on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz just walks across his stumps and flicks it really fine. The ball races away into the fine leg boundary.
Adam Milne to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off and nipping away. Left alone by Gurbaz.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the new man in.
Adam Milne to Mohammad Shahzad, ! TAKEN, ? NO, THAT IS TAKEN! A really good catch by Devon Conway who just about hangs onto it! The move to get Milne on works wonders as he strikes. This is short and just outside off. Shahzad looks to arch back, tries to make room and cut. It goes more off the toe-end to the right of Conway who seems to have been wrong-footed. He sticks his right hand out, it hits the glove but then pops out, then hits his wrist as he is falling onto the ground an
Adam Milne to Hazratullah Zazai, A run in the end! Shorter and on off, Zazai slaps it towards mid off. They wait for it to get past cover and then go for the run. Taken in the end.
Adam Milne comes to bowl now.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, He does! A good pacey short one, outside off, Shahzad is late as he tries to cut. Too quick for the keeper too who does not collect it cleanly. No run conceded at it hits the glove and rolls to point.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Really good from Boult! Changing his length almost every delivery. Making Shahzad think. A short one now on middle, Mohammad Shahzad ducks under it. Just the one run from the over so far. Can he end it well?
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Good length now and on off, Shahzad plays it to covers.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Bangs it short this time and on middle, good change in length. Ducked under.
Trent Boult to Mohammad Shahzad, Well bowled! Gets the yorker in, it is full and on off, Shahzad jams it out to point.
Trent Boult to Hazratullah Zazai, Good length and the stumps are targetted! Zazai works it through square leg for one.
Who will bowl from the other end? Trent Boult it is.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Good comeback then by Southee after going for some in the first few balls. 6 from the first over. On middle, it is worked to mid-wicket.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Swing and a miss! Fuller and outside off, Shahzad looks to go big but misses. Mohammad Shahzad going after everything here.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Southee gets away with one! On the pads, Shahzad flicks but to short fine leg. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, Shahzad has come out with a lot of intent. He steps down the track and this is bowled on middle, Shahzad flicks but to mid on.
Tim Southee to Mohammad Shahzad, ! Up and over! Mohammad Shahzad is off the mark in style and he also holds his pose for the cameras. Lovely stroke! Fuller and on off, Shahzad lofts it over the bowler's head. Boundary.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, This time he gets it to shape back in but the line is a little too straight. Zazai looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye.
We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time. The players of New Zealand spread out on the field. Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad are the opening batters for Afghanistan. The players take knee to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Tim Southee to start with the ball.
Tim Southee to Hazratullah Zazai, WIDE! A false start then by Southee! Looks to angle it across the left-hander but bowls it well wide outside off. Left alone. Wided.
The players of both teams make their way out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be Afghanistan's anthem followed by New Zealand's.
Rashid Khan is down for a chat. He says that it is a big deal to be a part of a game which will be watched by so many players and generally the games at the back end of the group stages are the ones which are watched the least because teams are already out but it's not the same here. Adds that it is good to play under pressure and go out their and express your skills and perform well. Mentions that he will look to focus on the basics and enjoy today's game. Also adds that against India they had
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they will have a bat first. Adds that last time it was a night game and hence they batted second but will try to put a decent total on the board today. Informs that everyone is fit and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back, he will take the place of Sharafuddin Ashraf. Adds that they will play their brand of cricket and look to win the match.
Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand, says they would have batted first as well as it is a used pitch. Adds that both sides are a good mix of youth and experience and Afghanistan has match-winners right through their lineup.
New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway (WK), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (In for Sharafuddin Ashraf).
TOSS UPDATE - Kane Williamson and Mohammad Nabi are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the latter. Afghanistan have elected to BAT first.
Afghanistan played really well initially in the tournament but against, India, they suffered a very heavy defeat. It will be interesting to see if they have got over it. They are up against New Zealand who have been really professional in this tournament and are favourites heading into this game. Will we see another professional performance from them or do Afghanistan have it in them to get over the line?
....Match Day....
Just the three games left of the Super 12s but one has to say, this one is probably the most important game of the remaining ones. By the end of this game, we will find out which is the 4th team to make it through. India, New Zealand and Afghanistan, all three have a chance. The equation for the Kiwis is quite simple, win and go through. For Afghanistan, it is a bit complicated as even if they do beat the Kiwis, theyâll be dependent on Indiaâs result in the last game of the Super 12. India o