New Zealand thrash Afghanistan by 149 runs at Cricket World Cup

New Zealand thrash Afghanistan

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New Zealand thrashed Afghanistan by 149 runs in a one-sided Cricket World Cup match at the Bay Oval on Wednesday.

The Kiwis batted first and posted a mammoth 348-6, thanks to a century from Kane Williamson and a half-century from Martin Guptill. Afghanistan were bowled out for 199 in reply, with Rashid Khan top-scoring with 36 runs.

New Zealand's innings was built around Williamson's knock of 106 runs from 132 balls. He was ably supported by Guptill, who made 75 runs from 54 balls. The pair put on a 150-run partnership for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a big score.

After Guptill's dismissal, Williamson continued to anchor the innings and was eventually dismissed in the 49th over. However, by then, New Zealand had already reached a commanding position.

Afghanistan's bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen, with only Rashid Khan managing to pick up more than one wicket. He finished with figures of 3-46 from his 10 overs.

In reply, Afghanistan got off to a good start, with openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat putting on a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. However, both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession to bring Afghanistan back to earth.

Rashid Khan tried to keep Afghanistan's hopes alive with a fighting knock of 36 runs, but he was eventually dismissed in the 47th over. The rest of the Afghanistan batsmen failed to offer much resistance and were bowled out for 199 in the 49th over.

New Zealand's victory was their fourth in five matches and it took them to the top of the Cricket World Cup points table. Afghanistan, on the other hand, suffered their fourth defeat in five matches and they are now in danger of being eliminated from the tournament.

Player of the Match: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)