Poor fielding and dropped catches hurt us, according to Afghan skipper Hashmathullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, lamented his side’s humiliating 149-run loss to New Zealand in a World Cup match on Wednesday after his team dropped as many as five catches at critical moments and failed to understand the nature of the track.

First-innings batsmen New Zealand scored 288/6 in 50 overs, and Glenn Phillips (71) and Tom Latham (68) took advantage of timely reprieves to put up a game-winning 144-run partnership. Afghanistan’s response saw them bowled out for 139 in 34.4 overs.

“Very unhappy because you have to accept such kind of catches at this level. Shahidi was honest in his evaluation, saying, “At the end of the day, those catches damaged us since, otherwise, the team was playing great, but the fielding let us down a little bit.

On a wicket with a lot of spin, Afghanistan let up 78 runs in the final six overs, which proved to be the turning moment.

“New Zealand scored a lot of runs in the last six overs. The set hitters (Latham and Phillips) were there when we lost two catches before to the 40th over. Because everything proceeded in their direction, we were powerless to stop them, Shahidi added.

Five catches certainly hampered them, but choosing to field after winning the toss also played a significant role.

The least I can say is…We were unable to evaluate the pitch fairly. The ball seemed to be spinning (turning) and a little sluggish in the first innings, in my opinion. Despite our poor fielding, we bowled brilliantly.

Shahidi agreed that losing the ability to maintain the momentum after defeating England would have an effect.

“Tonight’s game harmed us, but there are still games left for us to play. The next game is against Pakistan. Going back, we’ll talk about what we can do better, and we’ll attempt to come back stronger.

Latham, the captain of New Zealand, says his squad is headed in the right direction.

“I suppose we are moving in the right direction as a result of several strong performances. We have two games left, against Australia on October 28 and India on October 22. We want to keep the momentum going, added acting captain Latham.

Latham was pleased that his 144-run stand with Phillips had allowed them to extend the game.

We were under duress at times, but it was terrific to throw the pressure back on them in the last innings. We attempted to form a partnership there and I believe we lost three wickets quickly at that point. We put the ball very deep, he said.

Latham acknowledged that the missed receptions were helpful.

“I suppose there were a few opportunities here and there. We made an effort to seize such opportunities. Glenn relieved my stress by playing a terrific inning. In the first 10 overs, the lads established the tone at the top and continued contributing.

Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner, who provided the decisive 34 runs in the last 2.5 overs, were complimented by man of the match Phillips.

“I believe we realized what we might potentially gain in the final 10 overs. It was wonderful how we were able to hold it to the finish. The way Chapman and Santner completed it was incredible. I regarded 250 as average.

“We are in a setting where we continue to support one another and collaborate. Latham was particularly strong in the end, according to Phillips.