Another good comeback by the New Zealand side they were once 29/3. Latham and Phillips's 144-run partnership saved them from another big upset in the World Cup. Afghanistan's bowling was perfect but the fielding was so bad that they were unable to put more pressure on the opponent team. 289 runs is a big target on a pitch that supports spin attack. New Zealand has a few spinners on their team but only one of them is playing today. I am not sure if the pace attack can be fruitful on the Chennai pitch.
New Zealand scored as many runs as they needed to win. Of course I will keep New Zealand ahead of 288 runs. New Zealand's tough fast bowlers to deal with Afghanistan's batsmen don't know how long Afghanistan's batsmen can last on the wicket against a tough bowling line-up. New Zealand will definitely want to build pressure on their opponents from the start. The second innings has already started. The two opening batsmen will surely try their best to do something for the team. 288 is a lot considering New Zealand's first bowling line-up but if the batsmen can play patiently then 289 will not be impossible for Afghanistan.