Afghanistan proved too strong for New Zealand as they registered an 84-run win played in Providence Stadium, Guyana on 8th June 2024. Defending a modest total of 160 runs, the Afghanistan bowlers created pressure right from the word go. Fazalhaq Farooqi got the ball rolling dismissing Finn Allen off the very first delivery. Farooqi struck again getting rid of Devon Conway to leave New Zealand in trouble.
Farooqi produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Mitchell leaving New Zealand in deep trouble. At the end of the first six overs, New Zealand ended at 33 for 3. Rashid Khan dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson off his very first delivery to leave the Kiwis in deep trouble. Rashid showed his class dismissing Mark Chapman keeping momentum going for Afghanistan. Afghanistan bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals not allowing the New Zealand batters to score runs easily.
Farooqi took the final wicket dismissing Matt Henry caught by Karim Janat at fine leg. It was a superb bowling effort as Afghanistan bundled New Zealand for 75 in 15.2 overs. Farooqi and Rashid Khan took 4 wickets each while Nabi took 2 wickets.
For his 80 off 52 deliveries, Rahmanullah Gurbaz was named the player of the match award. With this win, Afghanistan consolidated their top spot in Group C. This was Afghanistan’s first victory over the Kiwis in the shortest format.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Held The Fort For Afghanistan
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to field first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran got off to a cautious start putting pressure on the Kiwi bowling lineup. At the end of the first six overs, Afghanistan ended at 44 for 0.
Gurbaz and Zadran kept the momentum going for Afghanistan not allowing the New Zealand bowlers to settle. A superb opening partnership of 103 runs partnership for the opening wicket between Zadran and Gurbaz ended as Zadran was bowled by Henry.
Gurbaz showed his class keeping the momentum going for Afghanistan reaching fifty off 40 balls. Afghanistan kept losing wickets as Omarzai scored a quickfire cameo. Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Gulbaidn Naib went in quick succession. Gurbaz’s brilliant innings of 80 came to an end that helped Afghanistan post 159 for 6 in 20 overs.
100+ opening stand by Gurbaz and Ibrahim, Fazalhaq destroying the top order, then Rashid running through the middle order. Top notch professional display from Afghanistan! NZ on the other hand looked extremely under prepared and paid a heavy price. #NZvAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OJ0Oam31MQ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 8, 2024
Back-to-back fifties for Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the #T20WorldCup đź‘Ź#NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/o5Crz4Sqt3
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 8, 2024
Superb all-round performance from the men in blue @ACBofficials. Well played @rashidkhan_19 @RGurbaz_21 @fazalfarooqi10 @IZadran18 @MohammadNabi007 and all the players, staff, fans and the entire nation.
Mubarak mo sha!#NZvAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2OLk58NB5X— Mirwais Ashraf (@MirwaisAshraf16) June 8, 2024
What an amazing performance by Afghanistan 🇦🇫 against New Zealand
They have outclassed New Zealand in all departments..
Rashid khan , Gurbaz and Farooqi are the stars of the day🔥#AfgvsNZ#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/HzVG1L7IkF— Saad (@Saad_dogar77) June 8, 2024
What a player Gurbaz is turning to be!
Mohammad Haris could have been developed something like him but … pic.twitter.com/IXuV86cHOt— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) June 8, 2024
EXCELLENT INNINGS FROM GURBAZ!! #AFGvNZ #T20WC2024 pic.twitter.com/EGy7X6CSU1
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman) June 8, 2024
Gurbaz just hit one of the best ever sixes you’ll see in World Cup
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) June 8, 2024
Afghanistan defeating New Zealand is not an upset. Hope this helps. They are easily the 2nd best Asian cricket team at the moment. #NZvsAFG pic.twitter.com/iPmwFcYsbx
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 8, 2024
What a fiery performance by Rashid Khan! Captain's stellar 4 for 17 in 4 overs dominates Kiwi batters. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uAEtnxByAJ
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) June 8, 2024
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