New Zealand will begin its ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the fiercely competitive Afghanistan team, Guyana, on Friday, June 7. In their quest for their first ICC World Cup trophy, the Black Caps will be hoping for a strong start.
This year’s Kane Williamson-led team last played T20Is against April after choosing not to play in practice matches because of logistical concerns. Despite missing the Pakistan tour because they were playing in the IPL 2024, most of the important senior players were still able to secure a 2-2 draw against a fully fit Pakistani team.
Afghanistan stunned Uganda with 125 runs in their opening Twenty20 World Cup 2024 match, despite Uganda being a new team.
In the first game of the competition, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran both scored outstanding fifties, while pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi got five wickets for nine against Uganda.
NZ vs AFG: Top 5 Players to Watch Out For:
Daryl Mitchell(NZ):
In ICC competitions, Daryl Mitchell is a dependable batsman for New Zealand. In his two T20 World Cup appearances, he amassed 317 runs at an average of nearly forty. Mitchell is an invaluable asset to New Zealand because of his consistency and his capacity to perform well under duress. His strong showings in these important competitions underscore his value as a steady and dependable hitter in the batting lineup. The success of New Zealand in the forthcoming T20 World Cup will be greatly dependent on Mitchell’s experience and solid batting.
Mitchell Santner(NZ):
When it comes to spin, Mitchell Santner is New Zealand’s strongest suit. In T20 cricket, he is a formidable bowler due to his ability to subtly alter his motion and angle the ball both in and away from hitters. Santner has taken 111 wickets in 100 Twenty20 Internationals, including a high of 4 for 11, while also amassing 650 runs. In the shortened version of the game, his ability to silence opponents and claim vital wickets makes him a priceless asset for New Zealand.
Trent Boult(NZ):
Trent Boult is a master at making vital plays during a power play. He comes into the competition after a strong showing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, where he took 16 wickets in 15 games. In T20 cricket, Boult is an invaluable weapon for New Zealand due to his ability to swing the ball and take early wickets. New Zealand’s success will be largely dependent on his recent form and expertise in playing under duress, as he looks to upset rival batting lineups from the off.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(AFG):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 76 runs off of just 45 balls, fully capitalizing on Uganda’s porous bowling attack. His brilliant performance featured four fours and four sixes, demonstrating his forceful batting approach and capacity to overwhelm the opposition. In addition to showcasing his skill, Gurbaz’s outstanding performance laid a solid foundation for his team’s innings. He is a vital player who may swing the game in his team’s favor with his dynamic batting because of his ability to score runs swiftly and effectively.
Fazalhaq Farooqi(AFG):
It will take a long time for Fazalhaq Farooqi to forget his session against Uganda, where he claimed his first-ever five-wicket haul at the highest level of cricket. He demonstrated outstanding control and bowling ability, finishing his period with just 9 runs conceded in 4 overs. With his performance against Uganda, Farooqi achieved a noteworthy career turning point and demonstrated his potential as a rising star in the bowling department.
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