During the ongoing Afghanistan chase, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s top-edged pull shot was brilliantly caught by Mitchell Santner, cementing New Zealand’s dominance.
In the 14th over of Afghanistan’s chase in ongoing New Zealand vs Afghanistan World Cup match in Chennai, Lockie Ferguson bowled a short delivery to Hashmatullah Shahidi, who attempted a pull shot but top-edged it towards square leg. In a remarkable display of fielding, Mitchell Santner sprinted backward, tracked the ball, dived, and managed to grab it with his left hand. Even as he fell to the ground, Santner maintained his grip on the ball, completing a sensational one-handed catch.
An absolute stunner from Mitchell Santner
— ♔ (@balltamperrerrr) October 18, 2023
Whatttt a Catch 🔥#CWC23 | #NZvAFG | #WorldCup2023 | pic.twitter.com/LpLdsxdfrr
Earlier, Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered an early breakthrough after winning the toss and inviting New Zealand to bat. He dismissed Devon Conway as LBW for 20 off 18 deliveries. However, Afghanistan’s fielding showed some lapses as Will Young and Rachin Ravindra survived early chances before Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets in his first over, triggering a mini-collapse.
Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips both notched impressive half-centuries, contributing to New Zealand’s total of 288/6 in 50 overs. Latham scored 68 off 74 balls, and Phillips smashed 71 off 80 before falling to Naveen-ul-Haq in the same over. Afghanistan’s sloppy fielding allowed New Zealand to capitalize on several missed opportunities throughout the innings. Mark Chapman added a late cameo, striking 25 runs off 12 deliveries.
In Afghanistan’s 289-run chase, Trent Boult and Matt Henry made crucial breakthroughs by removing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran inexpensively. After these dismissals, the fast bowlers impressively bowled three consecutive maidens, limiting Afghanistan to 28/2 in the first 10 overs.
Last Updated on October 18, 2023
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