New Zealand beat Afghanistan in a virtual quarter final in the T20 World Cup to qualify for the semi finals and in process also knocked out strong pre tournament favourities India.
New Zealand came into this match full of confidence but under pressure, knowing that can slip up here will pave way for India to take their spot.
Winning the toss Afghanistan chose to bat first and struggled for consistency. New Zealand pacers bowled a tight line and reduced their opponents to 19/3 inside the powerplay.
Najibullah Zadran and Gulbadin Naib formed a steady partnership but that too was ended by Sodhi. It was Zadran who then took charge and single handedly got Afghanistan to a respectable total. His 73 of 48 balls led his side to 124/8 in 20 overs.
New Zealand knew the conditions were not that bad to bat on a professional workman like effort saw them quell any threat of Afghanistan spin doing damage.
Martin Guptill hit the ground running releasing some early pressure before being dismissed by Mujeeb. However at that time New Zealand had already put 56 runs on the board for the loss of 2 wickets.
It was now up to the ever calm Kane Williamson and Devon Conway to ensure New Zealand sealed a semi final spot without any hiccups, which they duly did. Williamson 40 and Conway 36 took their side to victory with 11 balls to spare and with it ended hopes of both Afghanistan and India.
They will now play England in the semi finals in a re match of that dramatic World Cup final 2 years ago.
