Credit: ICC
On June 8, 2024, Afghanistan beat New Zealand by a convincing margin of 84 runs in the Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024, played at the Providence Stadium. At the toss, the Kiwi captain Kane Williamson emerged victorious and invited the Afghan side to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran built a 103-run opening stand off 87 balls and gave a perfect start to their team. Zadran departed after scoring 44 off 41 as he fell against pacer Matt Henry but Gurbaz didn’t relent and continued his aggressive approach. The wicket-keeper batter was joined by Azmatullah Omarzai, who smashed quick 22 off 13 with three boundaries (one four and two maximums).
Henry also scalped Omarzai’s wicket in the 17th over and following the right-handed batter’s return to the dugout, the Afghan innings faltered as they lost four quick wickets. In the final over of the innings, Gurbaz failed to handle veteran speedster Trent Boult, after scoring 80 off 56. The stumper’s knock was studded with 10 boundaries (five fours and five maximums). Riding on his sensational batting show, Afghanistan reached 159/6 in their 20 overs.
Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi decimated New Zealand
Defending the target, Afghanistan’s bowling attack looked fierce as both Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan came heavily on the Kiwi team’s batting unit. Within the first powerplay, Farooqi got rid of New Zealand’s key batters Finn Allen, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell. Rashid Khan also joined the pacer in the onslaught and picked up the crucial scalps of skipper Williamson and Mark Chapman, and Michael Bracewell.
Within 10 overs, New Zealand were under immense pressure as they lost seven batters. Matt Henry was the last man to fall as with his wicket, the Kiwi team capitulated to a score of 75 in 15.2 overs. Both Farooqi and Rashid bagged four wickets apiece. Gurbaz got the Player of the Match award for his superb innings.
