Taunton: Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 as New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday’s World Cup match at Taunton.
Neesham turned the game in New Zealand’s favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps.
Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket.
But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand’s first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions.
New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches. Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan.
