Afghanistan stuns New Zealand with an 84-run victory at the T20 World Cup, led by standout performances from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Rashid Khan.
| June 8, 2024 at 1:34 PM
In a stunning upset at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday, Afghanistan dominated a lackluster New Zealand, claiming the top spot in Group C at the T20 World Cup with an emphatic 84-run victory, marking their first-ever win against the Kiwis in T20 internationals.
Afghanistan set a challenging target of 160, thanks to a commanding performance from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 80 off 56 balls. He was well supported by Ibrahim Zadran’s solid 44. Their opening partnership of 103 runs by the 15th over laid a strong foundation, enabling Afghanistan to post a competitive total of 159 for six after being put in to bat. Gurbaz’s aggressive yet controlled innings was pivotal in putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers, who struggled to break the opening stand.
New Zealand’s chase faltered dramatically, collapsing to 75 all out in just 15.2 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi, continuing his stellar performance from the opening match against Uganda, wreaked havoc on the New Zealand batting lineup. Farooqi claimed four crucial wickets for just 17 runs, making an immediate impact by dismissing Finn Allen with the very first ball of the innings. His exceptional bowling was complemented by captain Rashid Khan, who mirrored Farooqi’s figures with four wickets for 17 runs, including the pivotal dismissal of Kane Williamson with his first ball, effectively sealing the match in Afghanistan’s favor.
New Zealand’s evident collapse and apparent lack of form present a daunting task for the 2021 finalists as they gear up to face hosts West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad next Wednesday. The contrast between the teams was stark, with Williamson’s somber demeanor highlighting New Zealand’s woes, while Rashid Khan celebrated his team’s historic victory. Khan commended Farooqi’s remarkable impact, noting his nine-wicket haul in the first two matches of the World Cup, which has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s success.
This victory not only boosts Afghanistan’s morale but also puts them in a strong position in Group C, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level in international cricket.
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Afghanistan vs New ZealandCricket newsFazalhaq FarooqiICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024Rahmanullah GurbazRashid KhanRohit Sharma on being asked if England were rightly awarded the World Cup title in 2019
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