9:10pm A strange innings which has finished with Afghanistan getting 159. Intent was not a problem in the powerplay (or the first ten overs) but the execution was from an Afghanistan perspective. Then, just after the drinks break, they clicked into gear, with Gurbaz at the forefront.

Gurbaz and Ibrahim registered their second-successive 100-plus opening partnership and that set Afghanistan up nicely. Omarzai, after the fall of Ibrahim's wicket, continued that momentum but once he departed, none of the others could really support Gurbaz, meaning that Afghanistan could not push up closer to 170.

As for NZ, their fielding was sluggish, especially at the start. There were several lapses, including dropped catches and missed run-out chances. With the ball, they held their own at different stages, with Boult and Santner being the standouts. Ferguson was not bad either. Henry, though, was expensive and their decision to hold back an over of Bracewell also cost them a few runs, given Mitchell was asked to fill in right at the end.

That said, Afghanistan will feel quietly confident of defending this total, just like NZ will be confident of chasing this down. This game seems to be in the balance, and that means we should have a thrilling second innings in store. Join us in a bit for the chase!

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: I think it is a very good total for our bowlers. I am happy with this total. The start, it was not easy, especially against the spinners. Happy with my innings as well. It depends on our fielding and how well we field. Our plan was to play Santner as well and we were happy to just take him for 20-odd runs. (On the pitch) I can say it is not easy. I hope we bowl well and field well.

Najib out to face the last ball

Naib in at 7

Janat is the new batter at the crease. At the other end for now

Boult to bowl the final over. How many can Afghanistan get? Can Boult keep them down to under 165? Over the wicket

Can Mitchell close out this over without any further damage?

Mitchell has come back well after getting hit for a six the first ball

Rashid looks fine as the physio comes out and performs the mandatory concussion test

Mitchell on for the penultimate over. He might look to take the pace off

CJay: "Has Williamson forgot Neesham isn't playing? Is going to need to have Bracewell, Phillips or Mitchell bowl one of the last two." -- He has backed himself into a corner, and what happens in that over could decide how many Afghanistan end up with.

A batting promotion for skipper Rashid Khan

Nabi on strike now

Ferguson to bowl the 18th

Peter: "Out caught? No, that can't be right, not tonight..."