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Let’s start with moment number 10. Afghanistan’s decision to bowl first raised eyebrows. Was it the right call, or would it come back to haunt them? We’ll explore the impact of that choice.
FOUR REGULATION CATCHES DROPPED
RASHID IS LIVID!
In moment number 9, New Zealand’s early struggles. From a comfortable 109 for 1, they slipped to a not-so-comfortable 110 for 4 in just nine balls. It was a moment that had fans on the edge of their seats.
And in moment number 8, the resilience of New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, and the versatile Glenn Phillips. Together, they orchestrated a remarkable recovery with a 144-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Moment number 7 revolves around Afghanistan’s fielding lapses. Six chances went begging – five catches and a run-out opportunity. How would these missed opportunities impact the game’s outcome?
In moment number 6, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson’s brilliant form with the ball. They took three wickets each, pushing Afghanistan into a tight spot during their chase. How did they turn the tide in New Zealand’s favor?
Moment number 5, a stunning catch by Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper, Ikram Alikhil. It was a breathtaking one-handed take that sent a well-set Will Young back to the pavilion.
Moment number 4 brings us to New Zealand’s late charge. They walloped 103 runs off the last ten overs, surpassing the 280-mark. How did Latham and company capitalize on two dropped catches to bolster their total?
Azmat took two wickets only in his first over.
Azmatullah to Ravindra, OUT – Full, straight and through Ravindra! Ugly cross-batted swat that does not come off for the battter. Was a length ball on the stumps. Ravindra gets across looking to whack it away, misses and sees his middle stump flattened.
Azmatullah to Young, OUT – Stunning take Iram Alikhil diving his left? He is confident, but the umpire’s are checking if the ball carried cleanly. If it has, then that is one heck of a grab from the keeper. Oh, it has carried cleanly. Full-length ball outside off stump, Young looks for a drive on the up, gets a thick inside-edge that flies to Alikhil’s left. He anticipates well, moves to his left and plucks out a sensational catch one-handed low to his left. Omarzai has 2 for 1 in his first over
Now Rashid takes out Mitchell! – That’s the third one in a row. That’s 2-109 (Rachin Ravindra, 20.2 ov), 3-110 (Will Young, 20.6 ov), 4-110 (Daryl Mitchell, 21.4 ov)
Rashid Khan to Mitchell, OUT – And another! What’s happening? New Zealand are collapsing and how. Shorter length on the stumps. Michell goes back, hacks the pull but straight to midwicket, who takes a simple catch. New Zealand have lost three wickets in the last nine balls for one run.
Moment number 2, the spectacular catch by Lockie Ferguson that sent Shahidi packing. It was a world-class effort that left fans in awe. How did this moment change the dynamics of the match?
New Zealand’s bowlers, Santner and Ferguson, led the charge as they dismantled Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Santner reached the milestone of 100 ODI wickets with an absolute ripper. How did they close out the game in style?
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