**Key Events**
Showcasing the key events of the match:
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**4th Over: Afghanistan 13-0 (Gurbaz 4, Zadran 7)**
Zadran showcases his power and skills with a boundary over backward point, followed by four consecutive runs off the last four balls of the over.
**3rd Over: Afghanistan 8-0 (Gurbaz 4, Zadran 2)**
Boult puts the Afghan openers under intense scrutiny, challenging their skills with a forensic examination similar to what England struggled with. Zadran survives an LBW appeal with a clear understanding that the decision was in his favor. Gurbaz fails to connect with the final delivery of the over.
**2nd Over: Afghanistan 6-0 (Gurbaz 3, Zadran 1)**
Matt Henry, an underrated ODI World XI player, takes the new ball. A close LBW appeal against Ibrahim Zadran adds tension to the game. Unfortunately, New Zealand cannot risk a review due to their previous losses. It seems the ball pitched outside leg.
**1st Over: Afghanistan 3-0 (Gurbaz 1, Zadran 0)**
Gurbaz secures a single with a third man shot. Upon review, it is clear that the LBW appeal against Gurbaz was incorrect as the ball pitched outside leg.
**0.5 Overs: Afghanistan 2-0 (Gurbaz 0, Zadran 0)**
Boult opens the innings with a perfect inswinger reminiscent of his bowling to Bairstow, but Gurbaz defends it solidly. Boult’s aggressive new-ball bowling style, especially against right-handers, creates a challenging atmosphere. The over includes two wides, an unsuccessful LBW appeal, and a confusion over the ball’s pitch.
**Updated at 15.00 CEST**
The players enter the field with Trent Boult holding a fresh white ball. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the strike.
**Updated at 14.54 CEST**
Hello everyone, Daniel here. I had hoped for a strong start from Afghanistan just like on Sunday, but the challenge seems tougher now, except if they know something we don’t. Their decision to field first might carry a hidden plan. Another solid opening partnership is crucial for their success.
**Updated at 14.48 CEST**
My time is over, and now let me introduce the amazing Rob Smyth to guide you through the second innings. Keep in mind, the last time I felt this way was on Sunday…
**Updated at 14.34 CEST**
That was an exciting game. Afghanistan started strong, New Zealand made a great comeback, Afghanistan challenged again… but New Zealand took control in the final six overs. They are now the clear favorites. However, a strong start or keeping wickets in hand can still put Afghanistan in a good position. New Zealand has set a target of 289 for Afghanistan to win.
**50th Over: New Zealand 288-6 (Chapman 25, Santner 7)**
Naveen tries to finish strong but concedes two twos and two singles in the first four balls. A missed opportunity for a run-out due to Rashid’s throw to the wrong end adds to the frustration. Santner hits a powerful four down the ground, adding 11 runs in total to end the innings. New Zealand gains momentum, and Afghanistan will regret missed chances.
**Updated at 14.35 CEST**
**49th Over: New Zealand 277-6 (Chapman 20, Santner 2)**
Afghanistan holds on to a crucial wicket as Phillips falls to a catch by Rashid Khan. His innings of 71 off 80 balls may prove decisive.
**48th Over: New Zealand 255-5 (Latham 68, Chapman 1)**
Afghanistan manages to dismiss Latham, thanks to a successful LBW appeal by Naveen-ul-Haq. Shortly after, Latham makes another poor shot, resulting in his stumps being dislodged.
**48th Over: New Zealand 254-5 (Latham 68, Chapman 1)**
Naveen-ul-Haq claims the wicket of Phillips, who mistimes his shot and gets caught by Rashid at a crucial moment. Phillips’ knock of 71 off 80 balls has made a significant impact on the match.
**47th Over: New Zealand 254-4 (Latham 68, Phillips 71)**
Azmat takes the ball, hoping to maintain his composure. However, Latham hits two sixes in quick succession, followed by a beautiful four. These final minutes may have changed the outcome of the match.
**46th Over: New Zealand 236-4 (Latham 50, Phillips 71)**
Naveen returns to the bowling attack, but New Zealand’s Latham and Phillips continue to put pressure on the Afghan fielders. Phillips hits two consecutive sixes, turning an okay total into a dangerous one for Afghanistan.
**45th Over: New Zealand 226-4 (Latham 44, Phillips 67)**
Farooqi returns to bowl, and Latham gets a lucky escape when his leading edge is dropped by Hashmat. These missed catches have proven costly for Afghanistan. New Zealand manages to score 10 runs in the over.
**44th Over: New Zealand 210-4 (Latham 43, Phillips 53)**
Latham and Phillips decide not to take unnecessary risks and focus on building their partnership. They score five singles, with Rashid Khan finishing his bowling spell with figures of 1-43.
**43rd Over: New Zealand 205-4 (Latham 41, Phillips 50)**
Latham achieves a single, bringing up New Zealand’s 200 runs. Another single follows, and Latham gets lucky when Hashmat drops a catch after he slices a leading edge. These dropped catches prove costly for Afghanistan.
**Updated at 13.58 CEST**
**42nd Over: New Zealand 190-4 (Latham 38, Phillips 43)**
Naveen returns to the bowling attack, and Latham and Phillips continue to run energetically. Phillips hits a six off a slower delivery, gaining much-needed momentum for New Zealand.
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