New Zealand have another comprehensive victory and this came against Afghanistan by 149 runs on Wednesday (18th October). Glenn Phillips magnificent 71 aided by skipper Tom Latham's brilliant 68 helped New Zealand thump Afghanistan and become the table topper of this world cup.

Earlier, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and surprisingly he chose to bowl first. Coming out to bowl, they were right on the money as Mujeeb trapped Conway for LBW. Despite a blow, New Zealand were going with the full flow and the duo Will Young and Rachin Ravindra stitched a brilliant partnership of 79 runs before Rachin fell to Azmatullah. He got another one in the same over and this time he picked up Will Young for a fine 54 off 64.

New Zealand were on a spot to bother on and they were crumbling on 110-4. Skipper Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips made an enormous partnership of 144 runs. Where Latham scored 68 off 74 balls and Phillips made 71 off only 80 deliveries and New Zealand posted an indomitable total of 288 runs.

In reply, Afghanistan stuttered infront of new ball swing. Gurbaz was castled by Matt Henry and Ibrahim Zadran fell to Boult. Afghanistan never were in the chase. They played sluggishly and that totally knocked them out of the match. New Zealand were kept chipping away with wickets at regular intervals. Rahmat Shah was the top scoring with his sedate 36 off 62 balls. Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson were the pick of the bowlers as they shared 3 wickets. Trent Boult were among the mix with his two scalps.