Chennai: New Zealand's all-rounder Glenn Phillips praised Afghanistan spinners after a comprehensive 149-run win over Afghanistan in the ICC Men's ongoing World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
While speaking at the post-match presentation, Kiwi batter Glenn Phillips said that it was really good the way the Kiwis batted in Chennai. Phillips heaped praise on Chapman and Santner and said that they finished the game in an amazing style.
"The Afghanistan spinners are incredibly talented and strong. Was really pleasing to see me and Tom go well in the middle after losing a few early. It was really good the way we batted here, especially on a dusty track here. Was great how we were able to take it down till the end and get the runs. We thought we'd be able to get 60 off the last 6 if we both were out there. The way Chapman and Santner finished it off was amazing. Thought that around 250 would've been par. We're in an environment where we keep working for each other and play as a team. It's about understanding what you can do for your mate and him understanding what he can do for you. We understand each other's strengths and weaknesses really well," Glenn Phillips said.
On the other hand, the New Zealand captain Tom Latham accepted that they were under pressure in the game many times and said that Afghanistan bowled really well in the game.
"A pleasing start. Another great performance. We were put under pressure sometimes. The bowlers managed to take wickets when it was needed. We had lost three wickets in a short span of time. We thought of regrouping. They bowled fantastically well. We managed to capitalize. Glenn played a fantastic knock. The first 10 overs were superb. Mitch Santner coming in and doing his job. Pleasing all-round performance. I guess on the back of some good performances, it is pleasing. We have India and then Australia. Hopefully, the momentum will stay with us," Tom Latham said at the post-match presentation.