Match Details
After electing to bat first, the Afghan batters struggled to
get going as the New Zealand bowlers bowled brilliantly. Najibullah Zadran was
the lone performer with the bat, scoring 73 but lacked support from the other
end as they could only manage to score 124 in their 20 overs. Trent Boult
picked up three wickets and Southee finished with two.
New Zealand started the chase positively. Mujeeb removed
Daryl Mitchell in the fourth over but Williamson joined Guptill and started building a partnership. Guptill was cleaned by Rashid Khan in the ninth over but the Kiwis’
skipper was going strong from the other end. He remained unbeaten on 40 and was
well-supported by Conway (36*) from the other end as they both ensured there
were no hiccups in the chase. They took their side across the line with 11
balls to spare. A well-composed innings from both Williamson and Conway helped them chase down the total with ease.
So the four teams which qualify for the semi-finals are- Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and Australia. The standings in Group 2 will be decided at the end of the next match between Pakistan and Scotland. If Pakistan win the match, they will finish as table-toppers and will face Australia in the semi-final.