ICC World Cup 2019: Match 13, AFG v NZ – New Zealand Player Ratings

The result of the game between Afghanistan and New Zealand was on the expected lines. It was the batting of the Afghans that let them down yet again after they were put into bat first. The openers did provide the team with a good start by scoring 66 runs in the first 10.4 overs. But the team lost three wickets in a span of three overs without adding any runs on the board.

Only four batsmen in this entire line-up have managed to get to the double digits. If it was not for a fighting 59 from Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan might have had to face further embarrassment. James Neesham was absolutely on fire and picked up a five-wicket haul while Lockie Ferguson accounted for four as Afghanistan was bowled out for 172 in 41.1 overs.

New Zealand suffered a huge blow as they lost Martin Guptill off the first ball of the chase. Colin Munro also soon got out playing a poor shot. However, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson steadied the ship. While the 36-year-old couldn’t stay in the middle till the end, the skipper ensured that he got the team over the line in the company of Tom Latham. New Zealand comfortably won the game with 7 wickets to spare and 17.5 overs left.

Here are the New Zealand Player Ratings for the match

Martin Guptill – 1/10

Martin Guptill failed to handle the movement and the first ball of the innings that was bowled turned out to be too good for him. The ball found his inside edge which hit the thigh pad and then carried to the fielder at backward point. Thus, he had to return for a golden duck.

Colin Munro – 3/10

Colin Munro threw another start away with some poor batting. He tried to upper-cut a short ball but hit it straight to the fielder at third man. With the target being quite small and since there were plenty of overs left, he should have looked to dig in deep. The left-hander scored 22 off 24 balls before he got out.

Kane Williamson – 9/10

Kane Williamson, like he so often does, led his team from the front in this match as well. He registered a great half-century and played a responsible knock. During the course of his innings, the 28-year-old played some glorious shots and didn’t prefer taking too many risks. He stayed in the middle right till the end and remained unbeaten on 79 off 99 balls.

Ross Taylor – 7/10

Ross Taylor played yet another important knock for his team in the chase. He scored 48 runs from 52 balls, laced six fours during his knock and also smashed one six. However, for the second time in a row, he failed to stay in the middle until the end. The 35-year-old got out in the 26th over when his team was 43 runs short of a victory.

Tom Latham – 5/10

Tom Latham had a wonderful day behind the stumps in this game. He caught five catches behind the stumps and was extremely clinical. With the bat, he ensured that his team doesn’t lose any wickets further after Taylor fell. He remained unbeaten on 13 runs.

James Neesham – 9.5/10

It was indeed a fabulous day for James Neesham out in the middle. He brought in an element of surprise with his exceptional bowling and registered his first ODI five-wicket haul. His figures of 5/31 are the best for him in his ODI career. He took some crucial wickets and dismissed some important batsmen to put his team on the top.

Colin de Grandhomme – 4/10

Colin de Grandhomme bowled four overs in this match out of which one was a maiden. He conceded 14 runs and picked up the wicket of the new wicket-keeper in the opposition, Ikram Ali Khil.

Mitchell Santner – Not assigned

Mitchell Santner didn’t bat or bowl in this game. He didn’t have much to do on the field either. The left-arm spinner will be keen on making a difference in the next encounter.

Matt Henry – 1/10

Matt Henry, who has performed exceptionally well in the last two matches, had a bit of an off-day on Saturday. The fast bowler seemed to have struggled with the areas where he bowled and thus leaked 50 runs in the 8 overs which he bowled. He went wicketless in this game.

Lockie Ferguson – 9/10

Lockie Ferguson continued with his fine bowling in this tournament. Yet again, the Afghan batsmen found it too tough to handle his pace and really struggled. Ferguson also picked up the wicket of Hashmatullah Shahidi, the best batsman for the opposition on the day.

Trent Boult – 3/10

Trent Boult failed to pick up any wickets in this match. But he was very economical conceding just 34 runs in his 10 overs. He did well with the new ball despite the Afghanistan batsmen looking to score some quick runs.