New Zealand claimed a fifth win in five World Cup games Sunday with a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan.
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Chasing 187 to win at McLean Park in Napier, Martin Guptill hit 57 and skipper Brendon McCullum a 19-ball 42 as runaway Pool A leaders New Zealand, who had already made sure of their last-eight place, reached their target in the 37th over.
Tournament debutants Afghanistan slipped to a fourth defeat in five matches after they were bowled out for 186 in the 47th over batting first.
Black Caps’ veteran spinner Daniel Vettori took four for 18 to become the first New Zealand bowler to take more than 300 ODI wickets.
The 36-year-old, who started the day on 298 wickets, bowled opener Usman Ghani for a duck with his first delivery and then went to 300 when he bowled Nawroz Mangal for 27.
In Napier, Daniel Vettori named as Player of the Match in #NZvAFG for his 4 for 18 & he says Hi to Everyone! #cwc15 pic.twitter.com/OqfHvgieA5
— ICC (@ICC) March 8, 2015
Najibullah Zadran top scored for Afghanistan with 56 while Samiullah Shenwari made 54 to help rescue their team from the dire position of 59 for six earlier in their innings.
“Both teams wanted to bat first, but we got off to a good start,” said man-of-the-match Vettori. “The pitch was a a bit worn, it is usually pristine here. The World Cup is a lot of fun, being at home is an experience we will never forget. So far so good.”
Until Saturday, both Australia and Sri Lanka were trying to avoid a potential quarter-final with South Africa, as well as targeting a Pool A win of their own.
South Africa seemed set for the runners-up place in Pool B but Pakistan turned forecasts upside down by beating the Proteas by 29 runs in Auckland.
Good to see two old boys Dan Vettori and @kevenmealamu achieve a couple of fantastic milestones this weekend. Two great NZers @BLACKCAPS
— Kyle Mills (@kylemills79) March 8, 2015
South Africa and Pakistan have six points in Pool B as do Ireland, who also have a game in hand and could take second place behind already qualified India, the defending champions.
Adding to the complexity is that the West Indies, on four points, could also sneak into the quarter-final shake-up if results — and run-rates — go their way.
The 1996 winners, Sri Lanka lead the Aussies by one point in Pool A and a win at the Sydney Cricket Ground would see them clinch second spot in the group behind New Zealand.
