GEORGETOWN – Afghanistan delivered a seismic shock in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, routing New Zealand by a staggering 84 runs at the Providence Stadium. The emphatic win, marked by exceptional batting and devastating bowling, catapulted Afghanistan to the top of their group.expand_more
Afghanistan’s Batting Masterclass
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, New Zealand found themselves on the back foot as Afghanistan’s openers, Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, unleashed an offensive onslaught. Gurbaz, in particular, was in scintillating form, smashing 80 runs off 56 balls with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Their century partnership laid a rock-solid foundation for Afghanistan’s innings.expand_more
Though wickets tumbled in the middle order, cameos from Azmatullah (22 runs off 13) and Rashid Khan (6 runs off 5) ensured a competitive total of 159 for Afghanistan.expand_more
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Trent Boult (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/37), toiled hard but struggled to contain the aggressive Afghan batsmen.expand_more
New Zealand’s Batting Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 160, New Zealand’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure exerted by Afghanistan’s bowlers. A top-order collapse, orchestrated by Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/17) and Rashid Khan (4/17), left the Kiwis reeling.expand_more
Only Glenn Phillips (18 runs) and Matt Henry (12 runs) offered any resistance as New Zealand folded for a paltry 75 runs in just 15.2 overs. It was a batting performance riddled with poor shot selection and a lack of composure against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.expand_more
Spin Twins Steal the Show
The star performers for Afghanistan were undoubtedly the spin duo of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan. Their combined figures of 8 wickets for 34 runs ripped through New Zealand’s batting order, leaving them shell-shocked. Mohammad Nabi also chipped in with two crucial wickets, further compounding New Zealand’s woes.expand_more
A Statement Victory
This victory marks Afghanistan’s first-ever win against New Zealand in T20 internationals and sends a resounding message to the cricketing world. It underscores their growing prowess in the shortest format and positions them as a legitimate contender in the T20 World Cup.expand_more
Gurbaz’s explosive innings and the exceptional bowling display from Farooqi and Rashid Khan rightfully earned them the plaudits.
Scorecard Summary
- Afghanistan: 159 all out (20 overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80 (56)
- Ibrahim Zadran 44 (41)
- Trent Boult 2/22 (4 overs)
- Matt Henry 2/37 (4 overs)expand_more
- New Zealand: 75 all out (15.2 overs)
- Glenn Phillips 18 (18)
- Matt Henry 12 (17)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/17 (4 overs)
- Rashid Khan 4/17 (3.2 overs)expand_more
Result: Afghanistan won by 84 runs.expand_more
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan’s commanding performance will undoubtedly boost their morale as they progress through the tournament. For New Zealand, this heavy defeat serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for significant improvement if they are to salvage their World Cup campaign.
Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi Fall of wickets: 103-1 (Ibrahim Zadran, 14.3), 127-2 (Azmatullah, 16.6), 136-3 (Nabi, 17.4), 156-4 (Rashid Khan, 19.1), 156-5 (Gurbaz, 19.2), 158-6 (Gulbadin, 19.5)
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Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Finn Allen, 0.1), 18-2 (Devon Conway, 2.4), 28-3 (Daryl Mitchell, 4.2), 33-4 (Kane Williamson, 6.1), 43-5 (Mark Chapman, 8.1), 43-6 (Michael Bracewell, 8.2), 53-7 (Glenn Phillips, 9.4), 59-8 (Mitchell Santner, 11.6), 63-9 (Lockie Ferguson, 12.6), 75-10 (Matt Henry, 15.2)
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