‘Tagda khel raha hai’ – Fans react as New Zealand thrashes Afghanistan to register its fourth win in ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand have won their fourth game of the ODI World Cup 2023 and is on the verge of a semi-final spot. The Black Caps defeated Afghanistan by 149 runs on October 18 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Afghanistan side won the toss and invited the Kiwis to bat first.

However, after being sent to bat first, the side had a decent start as CSK star Devon Conway could only get 20 runs, while Will Young struck out a half-century. Following them, Rachin Ravindra and Daryll Mitchell departed for just 32 and 1 run, respectively. However, middle-order batsmen Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham piled up 71 and 68 runs, respectively, which helped them post 288/6 in the given 50 overs.

During the chase, the Afghanistan side lost their wickets before posting 139 runs, which guided the Black Caps to their fourth straight win in the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, New Zealand became the table topper of the marquee event. Meanwhile, star batsman Glenn Phillips, who received Player of the Match, expressed his happiness after an emphatic win over Afghanistan.

Afghanistan spinners are incredibly talented and strong: Glenn Phillips

The 26-year-old star has lauded the Afghanistan side owing to their great spells by spinners. The middle-order batsman was really pleased to share the great stand with Tom Latham to post a respectable total on the board after some quick wickets. In addition, the right-handed batsman also lauded Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner for dismaying Afghanistan’s side quickly, which boosted their NRR and placed them at the top of the table.

“The Afghanistan spinners are incredibly talented and strong. Was really pleasing to see me and Tom go well in the middle after losing a few early. We thought we’d be able to get 60 off the last 6 if we both were out there. The way Chapman and Santner finished it off was amazing. Thought that around 250 would’ve been par. It’s about understanding what you can do for your mate and him understanding what he can do for you. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses really well,” Glenn Phillips said after the win.

Check out how fans have reacted to this win:

Tagda khel raha hai 👏👏🔥

— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 18, 2023

Done and dusted 😍 pic.twitter.com/KQnbReUd8P

— Baila Nisar (@BailaNisar) October 18, 2023

Hamare time to Kane Mama bhi wapis aaenge

— Tasneem Hanif 🇮🇳 (@TasneemKhatai) October 18, 2023

New Zealand is too good for Afghanistan. NZ is Best Team in the tournament along with India 🇮🇳

— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 18, 2023

Huge Victory by New Zealand. Afghanistan couldn’t comeback after losing quick wickets earlier and slow start.

Victory margin with 149 runs! HUGE BOOST to their NRR #NZvAFG #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/BmyrlBHjQE

— Sammy 𝕏 (@sammyX39) October 18, 2023

Santner is a very high quality player. It's just that he was so underrated till date. Now he is getting his due attention.

— Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) October 18, 2023