PLAYER RATINGS: James Neesham and Lockie Ferguson combine to help New Zealand crush Afghanistan

The Cricketer rates the individual performances of both sets of players after Afghanistan and New Zealand met in a one-sided affair at Taunton

AFGHANISTAN

Noor Ali Zadran (31): Strange that he has not played more and opened more and that it took an injury for him to do so. Snared at the right time. 5

Hazratullah Zazai (34): Another start, he might just be Afghanistan's more aggressive version of James Vince. Needs a big score soon 4

Rahmat Shah (0 & 0-21): Done by a very quick Neesham delivery from a leading edge, but few could have dealt with the Kiwi allrounder today. Slipped in with five overs in Rashid Khan's absence. 3

Hashmatullah Shahidi (59): The only man who showed any grit and falir in the Afghanistan innings. Hit nine fours and ensured Afghanistan got some sort of total. 7

Gulbadin Naib (4 & 0-55): Not a good day for the skipper. Wasted both batting and bowling reviews but was handicapped in the bowling department by the absence of Rashid Khan. 4

Najibullah Zadran (4): Another low scorer and another man to fall to Neesham's brilliance on the day. 4

Mohammad Nabi (9 & 0-18): In times like these Naib would have looked to Nabi for inspiration but he simply did not get it after his brilliant display against Sri Lanka. 4.5

Rashid Khan (0 & DNB): Sadly his participation in the game was ended upon his dismissal after suffering concussion. Hopefully has a speedy recovery 5

Ikram Ali Khil (2): Many good batsmen have fallen to de Grandhomme at this World Cup but struggled with the bat before being caught by Guptill. Kept well though in replacing Shahzad 6

Aftab Alam (14 & 3-45): The pick of the bowlers, particularly as he took them all. Showed incredible heart and never gave up. 7.5

Hamid Hassan (7* & 0-30): Conceded only three fours but accuracy was his problem as he bowled three wides. When he got it right though he was respected by the New Zealand batsmen. 6

^{Gulbadin Naib could not lead his team to victory}

NEW ZEALAND

Martin Guptill (0): Not a great evening for the opener, who went first ball to one that jagged back in. Had safe hands in the field though. 4.5

Colin Munro (22): Just went for one big shot too many after looking fluent in the opening exchanges. 5

Kane Williamson (79*): At the forefrunt of the chase again with another fifty. Batted elegantly, and captained well and in an aggressive manner. 7.5

Ross Taylor (48): Will be gutted to fall two short of a fifty by playing all round a full toss, but showed his class once again. A lot to be desired in his running and catching today though. 5

Tom Latham (13*): Accompanied his captain at the end and kept very well as he took another five catches. 6.5

Jimmy Neesham (DNB & 5-31): Played the biggest hand in swinging Afghanistan out with the best figures of his professional career. What a turnaround from Bangladesh. 8

Colin de Grandhomme (1-14): Took the only wicket not to fall to Ferguson or Neesham and he was economical as well in a spell which included a maiden. 6

Mitchell Santner (DNB & DNB): Very quiet outing for Santner who was not required to contribute with either bat or ball. 5

Matt Henry (0-50): Bit on the expensive side today and was taken for the only six of the opposition innings from Zazai. 5

Lockie Ferguson (4-37): Complemented Neesham really well and we saw what his pace was all about once again to complete a good day’s work. 7.5

Trent Boult (0-34): Offered control up top without reward but an economy rate of under four demonstrates his vaule to the side. 6

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