ICC World Cup 2023: Phillips pleased by Kiwi fightback against Afghans

New Zealand's batting display was far from flawless against Afghanistan but Glenn Phillips believes their middle order gave a good account of themselves in the team's 149-run win in Chennai on Wednesday.

Put into bat, New Zealand were cruising at 109 for one in the 21st over but found themselves under pressure after losing three wickets in nine deliveries.

Phillips (71) and skipper Tom Latham (68) then combined in a rollicking 144-run stand that helped New Zealand post a match-winning total of 288-6.

"The Afghanistan spinners are incredibly talented and strong and with losing a couple of wickets in the middle there the way me and Tommy went about it was really pleasing," player-of-the-match Phillips said.

"Our top order has done really well over the last couple of games, so to be tested in the middle is really good."

It was a typical team effort by the 2019 runners-up, who registered their fourth successive victory to go top of the points table.

Team is the star

Phillips attributed their strong run in the tournament to their philosophy of putting the team above anything else.

"We've got such a team-first mentality, everyone's working for each other and thinking how can we make the best of the moments we're in," said the hard-hitting 26-year-old batter.

"(It's about) understanding we've all got experience in different areas of the world, understanding what I can do for my mates and what he can do for me, just keep trusting each other."

Kiwi stand-in-captain Latham was delighted with the team's fourth straight win that sent them to the top of the table.

"Another great performance," Latham, leading the side in absence of injured Kane Williamson, said.

"We were put under pressure some times. The bowlers managed to take wickets when it was needed."

They benefited tremendously from sloppy fielding by Afghanistan, who floored four catches and blew a stumping opportunity as well to let New Zealand off the hook.

New Zealand were not as forgiving though when they returned to defend their total and bundled out Afghanistan for 139 inside 35 overs.

New Zealand will take on hosts India in a mouthwatering clash between two unbeaten sides in their next match in Dharamshala on Sunday.

Early strike

New Zealand rattled Afghanistan early in their chase, dismissing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in the space of three balls.