Kiwis’ loose win over Afghans

World Cup favourite host nation New Zealand continued their winning streak today beating Afghanistan in an uncomfortable six-wicket victory at Napier in the end.

As seen in their previous game against Australia, keeping wickets intact in a low-scoring match have been a major concern for the Kiwis for second straight time today.

Choosing to bat first on a pitch reputably in favour for the batsmen, Afghanistan managed to post a total of 186 in face of a rampage of Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult.

Apart from Samiullah Senwari, 54, who continued his good form in this tournament, and Najbullah Zadran, 56, hardly any other Afghan batsman could make a stand.

Vettori claimed four wickets for New Zealand, Boult three, Corey Anderson picked two and Adam Milne one.

Coming in to chase, Brendon McCullum played a fiery knock of 42 (19 balls) but stuck to his streak by not being able to convert a start to a big score for himself.

The run flow stemmed after he got out and New Zealand eventually chased down the target with 83 balls to spare. Martin Guptill finally found form and played a steering knock of 57.

Shapoor Zadran and Mohammad Nabi took one wicket each for Afghanistan. New Zealand showed a major problem with running between the wickets with two run outs today.

New Zealand Team

Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (C), Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi (wk), Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Afghanistan Team

Javed Ahmadi, Usman Ghani, Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Nabi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (wk), Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran