Rahmanullah Gurbaz showcased his talent for Afghanistan but couldn’t stay until the end against New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup match in Guyana on Saturday (June 8). The right-handed batsman fell victim to a superb delivery from Trent Boult after Rashid Khan gave up his wicket at the non-striker’s end at the start of the final over.
Gurbaz led the scoring with 80 runs from 56 balls, featuring five sixes and an equal number of boundaries. He also collaborated with Ibrahim Zadran for a 103-run opening partnership.
Boult initiated the over with an exceptional yorker outside the off-stump. Rashid, the Afghanistan captain, missed his shot, allowing the ball to pass him and reach the wicketkeeper.
Gurbaz quickly seized the opportunity and reached the striker’s end before Rashid could respond. Devon Conway returned the ball to Boult, who successfully ran out Rashid. Rashid appeared disappointed as he made his way back to the pavilion.
Following that, the left-arm paceman executed an impeccable yorker to remove Gurbaz on the following delivery. Subsequently, both players displayed mutual respect for each other after the wicket fell. The final over concluded with three wickets, conceding only three runs.
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“It is not an easy surface” – Gurbaz believes Afghanistan can defeat New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup
During the mid-match show, Rahmanullah Gurbaz expressed confidence in Afghanistan’s ability to perform against New Zealand after his batting performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup match. He mentioned that the pitch is tough for the batsmen.
“I think it is a good total. I am happy with the total. It wasn’t easy at the start, especially against the spinners. Now we have to field well. Our plan was to play well against Santner. It is not an easy surface. Our bowling side is good and we are happy with the total,” Gurbaz said.
Afghanistan set a total of 159/6 in their 20 overs. Besides Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran contributed 44 runs from 41 balls, including two sixes and three boundaries. Azmatullah Omarzai added 22 runs off 13 deliveries before their middle-order experienced a collapse.
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