T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, In a stunning display of cricket, Afghanistan registered their first-ever win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2024. This thrilling encounter, held today, saw Afghanistan dominate both with the bat and the ball, eventually thrashing New Zealand by a significant margin of 84 runs.
Afghanistan Sets a Competitive Target (159/6)
After being put into bat, Afghanistan put up a strong total of 159 for 6 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored an excellent 80 off just 56 balls. His opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, provided solid support with a knock of 44 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai added a quickfire 22 off 13 balls towards the end, ensuring Afghanistan reached a competitive total.
New Zealand’s bowlers had their moments, with Trent Boult being the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for just 22 runs. Matt Henry also chipped in with 2/37, and Lockie Ferguson took 1/28.
New Zealand’s Batting Collapse: T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Chasing 160 for victory, New Zealand’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure from Afghanistan’s bowlers. Glenn Phillips (18) and Matt Henry (12) were the only two batsmen to reach double figures, as the rest of the team fell like a house of cards.
Fazalhaq Farooqi started the destruction, picking up three crucial wickets in the powerplay and finishing with remarkable figures of 4/17. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi then took over, bamboozling the Kiwi batsmen with their spin. Both Rashid and Nabi also ended with identical figures of 4/17 and 2/16, respectively.
Brief Scores
- Afghanistan: 159 for 6 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80, Ibrahim Zadran 44; Trent Boult 2/22, Matt Henry 1/37)
- New Zealand: 75 all out in 15.2 overs (Glenn Phillips 22; Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/17, Rashid Khan 4/17, Mohammad Nabi 2/16)
Key Moments
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Brilliance: Gurbaz’s 80 off 56 balls was the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings, providing stability and scoring at a healthy rate.
- Farooqi’s Powerplay Burst: Fazalhaq Farooqi’s initial spell dismantled New Zealand’s top order, setting the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance.
- Spin Magic: Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi’s exceptional spin bowling left New Zealand’s batsmen clueless and ensured an emphatic win for Afghanistan.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s historic victory over New Zealand is a testament to their growing prowess in international cricket. The all-round performance, highlighted by outstanding bowling and key contributions with the bat, marks a significant milestone for Afghan cricket. As the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses. Afghanistan’s rise in cricket has been nothing short of impressive. They’ve become giant killers, constantly threatening to upset even the most well-oiled teams in the world. Their recent performances speak for themselves, proving they’re a force to be feared on the international stage.
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds, bringing more exciting and unpredictable cricketing action!