The Black Caps chased down a narrow target of 125 with 11 balls to spare to finish in the top-2 with eight points from five matches in Group 2. This win also took India out of the tournament.
“Strong performance. We know how dangerous this Afghanistan team is. It’s good for us to be able to set the tone with the ball, take early wickets and then keep them down-par. 150-155 would have been par,” Williamson said in a post-match presentation.
“Adjusting quickly to three different locations has definitely been a challenge.”
New Zealand will face England – the 2019 ODI World Cup winners and their opponents in that final – in the semi-finals, provided Pakistan do not crash to a shock defeat against Scotland in the second game of the day.
“Another strong challenge is coming. England are a very strong side. It’s important for us to keep learning and keep moving forward. Incredibly tough competition. Looking forward to this opportunity,” said Williamson, who remained unbeaten on 40 as his team completed the chase. Work without much hassle.
Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabiq He said that his team did not start well as they lost three wickets inside the power play.
“We plan to win the toss and put a good total on the board. But we didn’t start well. Then Najeeb brought us back but again we didn’t come back,” he said.
“150-160 would have been a good total on this pitch. On a pitch like this, it’s not a good total.”
Nabi said that his team will need to improve in the batting department in future.
“Still we tried to give our best with the ball. We played good cricket in the tournament, and we will take a lot of positives. We need to correct the mistakes we made with the bat.”
player of the match Trent Boult He said that he is looking forward to the semi-final against England.
Boult took three for 17, “It’s nice to have the performance this afternoon. The boys are in good spirits. Some big games are coming. The wickets are different during the day’s game and the night’s game, great to experience both ” in the match.
“England is playing good cricket. It will be a challenge.”
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