In less than 96 hours after they beat reigning World Champions England, Afghanistan got a solid reality check from a ruthless New Zealand, which recorded a thumping 149-run victory in a thoroughly one-sided World Cup match here on Wednesday. As a result of this conquest, the Black Caps remain unbeaten in the event so far, taking the top spot again with its fourth straight victory.

Ferguson, Santner shine

Chasing a tough target of 289 on a spinner-friendly wicket at Chepauk, Afghanistan could manage only 139 in 34.4 overs. The Afghans found Lockie Ferguson’s (3-19 in seven overs) pace too hot to handle and had no answers for Mitchell Santner’s (3-39 in 7.4 overs) deliveries, which at times, turned a mile. This was after triple half-centuries from Will Young (54), Tom Latham (68) and Glenn Phillips (71) ensured that New Zealand put up a winning total of 288-6 in 50 overs.