New Zealand started their Champions Trophy campaign with a confident five wicket win against Afghanistan in Chennai. Chasing a competitive target, the Kiwis relied on two well crafted half centuries to seal the match with ease.
Afghanistan, after being invited to bat, posted a fighting total of 183 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a steady knock of 27 runs, while Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah tried to build partnerships in the middle overs. However, the Afghan batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling from New Zealand.
Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry kept the pressure on with sharp pace and accurate lines. Ferguson struck crucial blows in the middle overs, while Henry provided early breakthroughs. Their combined effort restricted Afghanistan to a modest total despite brief resistance from the lower order.
In response, New Zealand approached the chase calmly. Will Young anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 42 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. His positive intent ensured that the required run rate never became a concern.
Tom Latham supported him brilliantly, scoring a fluent 74. He rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, guiding the innings through the middle phase. The pair built a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Although Afghanistan’s bowlers managed to pick up a few wickets and attempted to apply pressure with tight spells, the target proved insufficient. The New Zealand batters maintained control and completed the chase comfortably with five wickets in hand.
The victory provides New Zealand with a strong start to the tournament and boosts their confidence ahead of tougher encounters. Afghanistan showed flashes of promise but will need greater consistency with both bat and ball to challenge top sides in the competition.
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