Santner's game-changing moment gave New Zealand a shift in momentum against Afghanistan in their World Cup fixture in Chennai
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has potentially grabbed the catch of the ICC World Cup 2023 so far to dimiss Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi on Wednesday. The Kiwi took a one-handed catch to put New Zealand on top at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. (Scorecard | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
Santner's catch took place during the last ball of the 14th over, when pacer Lockie Ferguson bowled in short to the Afghani skipper, who tried to pull but could only manage to edge the ball. Santner, seizing the opportunity, ran backwards with his eyes peeled on the ball as he stretched his hand to grab the ball. Shahidi was sent back for mere eight runs as New Zealand grew into the game who had set-up a target of 289 for Afghanistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture.
Afghanistan batters could not repeat the heroics of the England match as they were bowled out for 139 in 34.4 overs. New Zealand claimed an all-important victory as they ran away with a 149-run win in Chennai.
Earlier, Afghanistan skipper Shahidi had won the toss and elected to bowl first in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture against New Zealand in Chennai.
Afghanis kept the same team that defeated England. Despite making in-roads, Afghanistan made some bad errors in the field ath allowed the likes of Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham and Will Young to score fifties and take the Kiwis to a score of 288/6 in 50 overs.
Phillips hit 71 runs off 80 balls, Latham amassed 68 off 74 balls and Young scored 54 off 64 balls to lift New Zealand from 110/4 to 288/6 on a slow track in Chennai.
Mark Chapman also contributed with a quickfire 25 off 12 balls with two fours and a six as New Zealand scored 62 runs in the last five overs.