New Zealand rout Afghanistan in Chennai

New Zealand handed giant-killing Afghanistan a brutal reality check when they exploited a disastrous fielding performance to romp to a 149-run victory at the Cricket World Cup, AFP reported.

Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, and Will Young all scored half-centuries and benefitted from dropped catches to score a fighting 288-6.

The Black Caps then ran through Afghanistan, who had shocked defending champions England last time out, for just 139 in 34.4 overs.

“I thought 250 was par. We are in an environment where we keep working for each other and play as a team,” said man of the match Phillips, who made 71.

The victory gives New Zealand, runners-up at the last two World Cups, a fourth victory in as many games and comfortably on course for the semi-finals.