Jobaaj Stories
In a stunning display of cricket, Afghanistan outclassed New Zealand by 84 runs in the 14th match of Group C at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With this victory, Afghanistan has solidified its place at the top of Group C, maintaining a perfect record with two wins in as many matches.
Match Overview
Afghanistan: 159/6 (20 overs)
New Zealand: 75 all out (15.2 overs)
Result: Afghanistan won by 84 runs
Player of the Match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80 off 56 balls)
Afghanistan's innings was spearheaded by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose remarkable knock of 80 runs off 56 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. His efforts were complemented by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed a solid 44 runs. The duo put up a crucial 103-run opening stand, setting a firm foundation for Afghanistan’s total of 159 for 6.
The Afghan bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan, dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup. Both bowlers delivered identical figures of 4 for 17, ensuring a swift end to New Zealand’s chase. Glenn Phillips was the only Kiwi batsman to show some resistance, scoring 18 runs.
πππ π‘ππ§π’π¬πππ§ ππ’π§! π#AfghanAtalan put on a comprehensive all-round performance to beat @BLACKCAPS by 84 runs and register 2nd successive victory in the #T20WorldCup. π€©
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 8, 2024
Congratulations to the Entire Afghan Nation and all the fans around the world. ππ#AFGvNZ pic.twitter.com/PW7YPpHxLF
Afghanistan's batting started cautiously but picked up momentum thanks to Gurbaz and Zadran. The pair became the first opening duo in T20 World Cup history to record back-to-back century stands, having previously achieved this feat against Uganda. Despite a slow start with 55 runs in the first ten overs, the Afghan team accelerated in the latter half, adding 104 runs and setting a competitive target of 160.
New Zealand’s fielding woes and lack of match practice were evident as they missed several key opportunities, including dropped catches and missed run-outs. This rustiness proved costly against a confident Afghan side.
Afghanistan π₯π¦π« pic.twitter.com/IJ9WMg3uXX
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) June 8, 2024
New Zealand’s chase started disastrously with Farooqi’s lethal bowling. He struck on the very first ball, clean bowling Finn Allen. Farooqi continued to apply pressure, picking up key wickets during the powerplay. Rashid Khan then took over, claiming three wickets in quick succession, including the crucial scalp of Kane Williamson.
New Zealand’s batsmen struggled to cope with Afghanistan’s bowling prowess. They collapsed to 75 all out in 15.2 overs, marking one of their most disappointing performances in recent T20 history. Only Phillips and Matt Henry managed to reach double figures, underscoring the dominance of the Afghan bowlers.
