NZ vs AFG LIVE Score Updates: Rashid Khan dismisses Daryl ...

NZ vs AFG LIVE Score Updates: Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan clinched back-to-back wickets to derail New Zealand batting. Rachin Ravindra, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell walked back to pavilion and currently New Zealand skipper Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are on the crease trying to stabilise the innings. 

New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Will Young began on a cautious note, but target Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. But, soon Mujeeb Ur Rahman bounced back and departed Devon Conway to give first jolt to New Zealand. 

As the cricket world turns its gaze toward the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, an electrifying encounter is on the cards. New Zealand, an unbeaten team in the tournament so far, are preparing to lock horns with Afghanistan, fresh from their sensational victory against England. With India leading the points table, New Zealand trail in second place, bolstered by three wins and a strong net run rate. Afghanistan, having sprung one of the tournament's biggest surprises, occupy the sixth spot.

Unveiling a twist to the MA Chidambaram Stadium's typical narrative, recent matches have favoured teams batting second. Despite a historical edge for teams opting to bat first—claiming victory in 14 out of 25 games—the tide has turned. Both recent World Cup games hosted at this venue saw teams chasing targets of 200 and 246, turning the tables on the established paradigm.

It's worth noting that the venue has been a playing field that rewards the tactically adept, particularly those skilled against spin bowling. The pitch can be a double-edged sword: While established batsmen can score heavily, the surface's slow pace can fox power hitters.

New Zealand's invincibility this season isn't their only claim to fame in this match-up. The Kiwis have a historical upper hand, defeating Afghanistan in both previous ODIs during past World Cups. However, Afghanistan's form this year could make for a very different contest. Under Hashmatullah Shahidi's leadership, the team now boasts stars like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

While New Zealand continue to ride a wave of success with three matches and as many wins, Afghanistan are lifted by a morale-boosting victory against England—the defending world champions no less. The Afghans outclassed England by 69 runs, shaking the points table and the World Cup narrative at large.

This clash isn't just a fixture; it's a litmus test for both squads. New Zealand aim to continue its winning spree, holding onto the coveted second spot on the table. Afghanistan, on the other hand, want to maintain its newfound momentum, striving to climb further up the ladder.

New Zealand Final XI

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (capt, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Mark Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult.

Afghanistan Final XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

NZ vs AFG LIVE Score Updates: Key Highlights 

1. Afghanistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first.

2. New Zealand opener Devon Conway and Will Young began the innings

3. Kane Williamson is not playing in today's match due to a thumb injury

4. Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is leading Afghanistan's attack

5. Devon Conway was targeting Mujeeb Ur Rahman, but the spinner bounced back and clinched his wicket

6. New Zealand opener Will Young smashed his half century

7. Azmatullah Omarzai provided his team with a breakthrough as he dismissed Rachin Ravindra to break the partnership. 

8. Will Young was the second wicket of Azmatullah Omarzai in the same over

9. Spinner Rashid Khan dismissed Daryl Mitchell in quick succession to bounce back in the game

Check LIVE updates.

18 Oct 2023, 04:59:11 PM IST

18 Oct 2023, 04:55:42 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan bowlers still maintain the tight grip on the bowling and not allowing New Zealand batters to try big shots. The run rate is 4.66 runs per over which is below average for a good team like New Zealand. 

Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are slowly taking the innings forward and will look to finish around 280-290 runs, but need to take more risks it order to ensure that score at this pitch. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:48:43 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips had a close save against Rashid Khan who made a big LBW appeal. As the umpire didn't look intrested, Hashmatullah Shahidi decided to take DRS. Everything else was fine, but the third umpire gave umpire's call for pitchting line and wickets hitting. It's a not out and big sigh of relief for New Zealand camp. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:45:00 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Good over from Fazalhaq Farooqi and Afghanistan bowlers are successful so far to keep Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips under pressure. The New Zealand batters are playing cautiously and Afghanistan bowlers are also increasing the pressure to clinch more wickets. 

If the batters stay on the crease till last 5 6 overs, then they can change the game for New Zealand and smash some big shots to take the score forward. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:39:47 PM IST

New Zealand

Tom Latham 25

Glenn Phillips 26

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/45 (8)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/25 (5)

Mohammad Nabi 0/38 (7)

Rashid Khan 1/20 (6)

Azmatullah Omarzai 2/18 (5)

18 Oct 2023, 04:33:30 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman leaked some more runs in the 33rd over and New Zealand score has crossed 150 runs now. Some partnership is appearing between Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips while Afghanistan bowlers are going straight for wickets. 

The current run rate is 4.52 runs per over and New Zealand batters might want to take it beyond 6 to end up with a good score at the end of the innings.  

18 Oct 2023, 04:29:50 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Mohammad Nabi is bowling really and Hasmatullah Shahidi is also using the spinner well. Tom Latham and Glenn Philips should aim for a 280 plus score from here. But, for that to happen, the batters must change gears as the game entered in last 18 overs. 

Afghanistan bowlers must try some loose deliveries to trap New Zealand batters and clinch more wickets to further slowdown New Zealand's disrupted batting order. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:23:49 PM IST

New Zealand

Tom Latham

Glenn Phillips

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/31 (6)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/25 (5)

Mohammad Nabi 0/31 (5)

Rashid Khan 1/20 (6)

Azmatullah Omarzai 2/18 (5)

18 Oct 2023, 04:19:52 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Another good over by spinner Mohammad Nabi, he faced one boundary but kept the ball tight. Both Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips have decided to change some gears now and are smashing some big shots. The batters must tread cautiously as Afghanistan is continuously looking for wickets here and in case more New Zealand batters get dismissed, the team will get under pressure. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:15:53 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Better over for New Zealand as Aghanistan pacer Azmatullah Omarzai finally gave some runs and we saw a boundary after a while in the match. Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are doing well and have given some stability to the New Zealand innings and they must not give anymore wickets which can provide another boost for Afghanistan batters.  

18 Oct 2023, 04:11:05 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters have targeted spinner Mohammad Nabi today as they smashed 3 sixes in his overs. But, his 4th over was different has it came after some wickets and Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are playing very cautiously against spinners now. 

Afghanistan must clinch some more wickets to finish New Zealand on a slow score as the Kiwis has very good bowling if any target above 250 will be difficult for Afghanistan batting. 

18 Oct 2023, 04:08:28 PM IST

New Zealand

Tom Latham 10

Glenn Phillips 5

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/27 (5)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/25 (5)

Mohammad Nabi 0/26 (3)

Rashid Khan 1/20 (6)

Azmatullah Omarzai 2/11 (4)

18 Oct 2023, 04:05:55 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Superb display of bowling from Rashid Khan as he keeps New Zealand batters under tight leash. He is getting the right turn on the pitch of Chennai and New Zealand batters were forced to remain silent in front of his unpredictable spin.  

18 Oct 2023, 04:01:04 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan pacer Azmatullah Omarzai is bowling with confidence after clinching two wickets to put New Zealand batting order under pressure. Tom Latham is playing like he is in no hurry as he understands that they should take next 5 6 overs to just settle on the crease and must not give anymore wickets to Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi must keep trying something to put New Zealand batters in uncomfortable positions. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:57:00 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Another great over from spinner Rashid Khan and he gave just one run. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham must act like a leader now and lead his team to a good score. Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips are more attacking batters by nature, but a more responsible innings is expected from them as New Zealand seems to be in trouble against quality Afghanistan bowlers. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:54:52 PM IST

New Zealand

Tom Latham 3

Glenn Phillips 2

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/27 (5)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/25 (5)

Mohammad Nabi 0/26 (3)

Rashid Khan 1/17 (4)

Azmatullah Omarzai 2/4 (2)

18 Oct 2023, 03:47:35 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: This seems like a repeat of Afghanistan vs England match as New Zealand batting seem to be collapsing after the first 20 overs. Spinner Rashid Khan showed the magic of his spin and dangerous batter Daryl Mitchell walked back to the pavilion. He might face some scolding for attacking Rashid Khan, that too when New Zealand just lost a wicket. 

Skipper Tom Lathama and batter Glenn Phillips are on crease now and Afghanistan body language has completely changed. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:45:18 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Azmatullah Omarzai changed the game for both Afghanistan and New Zealand as he dismissed both Rachin Ravindra and Will Young to derail New Zealand batter complexly. Daryl Mitchell and New Zealand skipper Tom Latham on crease. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:39:10 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Wondaful ball by Azmatullah Omarzai and Rachin Ravindra had no clue how to respond to that. This is a big wicket for Afghanistan and the team must use this wicket to get back in the game. In form batter Daryl Mitchell is on the crease now and Afghanistan must not let him settle as he is known to be explosive against strong bowling attacks. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:36:04 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Better over from spinner Rashid Khan as he didn't give any room to New Zealand batters to try any big shots. Will Young got another lifeline as wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil dropped another catch and this might prove very costly for Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi might be reconsidering his decision to field first after winning the toss.  

18 Oct 2023, 03:32:00 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters seem to be clear with their plan, they want to hit a boundary on the first ball of the over and then take singles and doubles to get at least 7-8 runs from every over. Afghanistan bowlers must try something outside the box now as the partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Will Young continues. 

New Zealand 

Will Young 54

Rachin Ravindra 29

18 Oct 2023, 03:26:46 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters are slowly changing gears after getting settled on the crease and boundaries are coming frequently now. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq are bowling under pressure now as New Zealand batters see to attack from the first ball. 

Afghanistan is desperate for wickets now as the partnership between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra is growing stronger. Rashid Khan must use something from his wide range of variations to take a wicket here. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:23:02 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters are slowly increasing the run rate which was reached 5.59 runs per over. Will Young smashed his second consecutive century and looking in great shape today. The New Zealand opener got two lifelines today but used them well to stabilise the innings after early loss of Devon Conway. 

Will Young and Rachin Ravindra seem to comfortable on crease now and have build a good partnership to bring New Zealand in the game. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:17:39 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Tight first over from spinner Rashid Khan and his bowling is getting the required turn on the pitch. Will Young began his spell with FOUR, but after than Rashid Khan made a good comeback and kept Will Young under tight leash. It was a close call for Will Young several times and it seems like Rashid Khan will soon do what he knows best. Rachin Ravindra and Will Young will play his cautiously. 

New Zealand 

Will Young 48

Rachin Ravindra 16

18 Oct 2023, 03:13:55 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Finally, Afghanistan has introduced magical spinner Rashid Khan and it has to be seen if Rashid Khan gets the right spin on this pitch where New Zealand batters have targeted spinners so far. Will Young smashed a FOUR on Rashid Khan first ball, fielder Fazalhaq Farooqi is hurt in the process. The physio is attending the Afghanistan pacer while umpires have announced drinks break. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:10:36 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters are clearly taking more risks against Afghanistan spinners and that's why the skipper must introduce spinner Rashid Khan now. A partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Will Young can prove to be very dangerous from Afghanistan and they must get one wicket as early as possible to break this 50-run partneship. 

18 Oct 2023, 03:06:17 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: 

New Zealand

Will Young 13

Rachin Ravindra 36

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/27 (5)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/11 (3)

Mohammad Nabi 0/16 (2) 

18 Oct 2023, 03:01:01 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Big over for New Zealand as Will Young and Rachin Ravindra opened their arms to smash 1 SIX each. New Zealand batters are still targeting Afghanistan skippers and playing in more control against the pace attack. Afghanistan must think something innovative soon as these dangerous batters are getting settled on the crease and that is not a good news against any bowling attack. 

Magical spinner Rashid Khan is still not visible and now is the time when he should be introduced to clinch some wickets. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:57:06 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batters are not falling into the trap of Afghanistan bowlers and managing to take runs in form of singles and doubles. The batters are displaying good running between the wickets and they understand that boundaries will not be very easy on the pitch of Chennai. Will Young is trying to play little attackingly while Rachin Ravindra is resisting from taking any risks. 

Afghanistan bowlers knows the value of wicket here and they are continuously trying to force New Zealand batters. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:52:21 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: It seems like New Zealand batters want to take it forward like Test format of the game. Rachin Ravindra has not scored any runs and Mohammad Nabi gave just 2 runs in the 11th over. New Zealand batters are still understanding the pitch and it seems like they don't want to take any risks against Afghanistan's unpredictable bowling. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:47:41 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq began on a great note as he gave just 1 run in his first overs. Afghanistan needs to bowl such tight overs to increase the pressure on New Zealand batters forcing them to attempt some big shots. 

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young want to build a partnership from here and play slowly for next 10-15 overs to change the gears after settling on the crease. 

New Zealand

Will Young 23

Rachin Ravindra 0

Afghanistan bowing

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/27 (5)

Fazalhaq Farooqi 0/15 (4)

Naveen-ul-Haq 0/1 (1)

18 Oct 2023, 02:41:59 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand batter tried some shots in the 5th over of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and another opportunity was missed as one Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi dropped second catch of the day. Earlier, Devon Conway's catch was dropped on the slip position and Afghanistan can't afford such mistakes against the quality opposition like New Zealand. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:38:49 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Another good over from Fazalhaq Farooqi and after loosing the wicket of Devon Conway, New Zealand batters- Will Young and Rachin Ravindra have slowed the rate to big strikes. Afghanistan must capitalize on the pressure and force the batters to take more risks as a team like New Zealand will not take much time to recover from the early wicket. 

Magical spinner Rashid Khan may soon make his entry and let's see how quality New Zealand batters tackle him. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:29:59 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand opener Devon Conway was targeting Afghanistan's dangerous spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, but the bowler bounced back and dismissed the batter to provide Afghanistan with its first wicket. Rachin Ravindra is walking to the crease now and Afghanistan spinners are maintaining their supremacy in the ICC World Cup 2023. 

Afghanistan will get more confidence with this wicket and will look on to increase the pressure.   

18 Oct 2023, 02:25:39 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Good over from Fazalhaq Farooqi, he kept the ball on accurate line and length and New Zealand batters couldn't manage any big shot in the over. It seems like New Zealand batters have decided to go slow against the pace attack and target spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Devon Conway plays well against spin attack and displaying just that on the slow pitch of Chennai. 

Targeting a spinner on the pitch of Chennai may create pressure on Afghanistan as the pitch is known to support spinners and Afghanistan has a lot of quality spinners. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:21:25 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand openers are showing some explosive shots now and Devon Conway is looking in really dangerous shape. The New Zealand batters are not paying any heed to the fact that Afghanistan team is coming from a big win, they are just playing their game and understand the pace they need to move in. Both batters are especially targeting the spin bowling and forcing Afghanistan to change the bowler

New Zealand 

Devon Conway 15

Will Young 9

18 Oct 2023, 02:17:47 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi kept the bowling tight in the second over and the New Zealand batters didn't get much chance to smash shots. Still, Devon Conway managed a boundary in the last over of the ball to keep the run rate in check. Afghanistan bowlers are looking for early wickets to put pressure on New Zealand and they know that an opening partnership from Devon Conway and Will Young can be dangerous. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:14:08 PM IST

NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand opener Devon Conway opened some arms against spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and he scored 10 runs in the over. Afghanistan bowlers are displaying that confidence in their bowling, but New Zealand is known for their quality players who can change the game anytime. 

18 Oct 2023, 02:09:54 PM IST

Fazalhaq Farooqi comes to bowl the second over for Afghanistan. He starts with three dot balls with a tight line and length. The first chance for Afghanistan went begging as Young's thick edge gets dropped at the slip. It's a maiden for Fazal.

18 Oct 2023, 02:04:11 PM IST

Devon Conway and Will Young come to open for the Kiwis. Hashmatullah Shahidi surprised many by electing to bowl first. But, he said that the dew factor could play a major role in the second innings. And, he introduces spin from the very first over. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman starts for his team.  It's a play-n-miss for Conway. Mujeeb starts with four dots.

18 Oct 2023, 01:48:24 PM IST

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (capt, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Mark Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult.

18 Oct 2023, 01:38:31 PM IST

Afghanistan remain unchanged:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

18 Oct 2023, 01:33:43 PM IST

Afghanistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first.

18 Oct 2023, 01:26:35 PM IST

Despite a historical advantage for teams who bat first (winning 14 out of 25 games), the tide has shifted. Both recent World Cup matches in Chennai this year featured teams chasing targets of 200 and 246, reversing the traditional pattern.

18 Oct 2023, 01:03:50 PM IST

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has played 69 ODIs so far for his country and taken 96 wickets. He has an excellent average of 26.56 with a strike rate of 37.7. His economy stands at 4.21. He took 3 wickets against England to bundle out the defending world champions for 215. 

18 Oct 2023, 12:44:37 PM IST

Lockie Ferguson took 3 wickets in the Bangladesh match, which the Black Caps won by 8 wickets. He was awarded the Player of the Match award, despite a blistering 89 off 67 balls by Daryl Mitchell. This shows the impact of his bowling that destroyed the Bangladeshi top order. In the previous match against the Netherlands, he went wicket-less. In his 60 ODIs so far, he has taken 92 wickets. 

18 Oct 2023, 12:30:18 PM IST

While there were reports that Kane Williamson had been ruled out for the entire tournament, New Zealand later informed that he would remain in the squad “with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month".

“An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb," it added. “Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover."

18 Oct 2023, 12:17:07 PM IST

New Zealand are undefeated so far in the tournament; so are India. With a better net run rate, the Men in Blue are at number 1 on the points table. The Kiwis, on the other hand, are at number 2. If they win today's match, they will reclaim the top spot.

18 Oct 2023, 12:01:03 PM IST

There are two bowling records, rather personal milestones, expected in this match. Mitchell Santner is one short of taking 100 wickets in ODIs. This seems likely, keeping Santner's present form in mind. Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman needs four wickets to reach the 100-mark in ODIs. This seems to be a task. But, you never know!

18 Oct 2023, 11:46:53 AM IST

The New Zealand vs Afghanistan match will air live on Indian television via Star Sports channels. Indian viewers can also enjoy free live streaming of these matches on the Disney+Hotstar app and website. Social media giant Meta has also partnered with the ICC for World Cup 2023 coverage on Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Threads. The match will start at 2 PM.