Afghanistan Crush New Zealand Afghanistan overpowers New Zealand in a stunning T20 World Cup upset!
New Zealand were dismissed for a paltry 75 chasing a target of 160 set by Afghanistan. This emphatic victory marks Afghanistan’s second win in two matches at the World Cup.
Afghanistan Crush New Zealand in World Cup Upset!
Afghanistan continued their dominant run in the T20 World Cup, thrashing New Zealand by a massive 84 runs in Providence, Guyana. This victory marks their second consecutive win and propels them to the top of Group C.
Gurbaz and Zadran Shine Again:
Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80 runs) and Ibrahim Zadran (44 runs) set the tone for Afghanistan with a phenomenal 103-run partnership. This remarkable feat makes them the first-ever opening pair to register two consecutive century stands in the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s Fielding Woes:
New Zealand, opting to skip warm-up matches, seemed underprepared. Dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities gifted Afghanistan valuable runs.
Bowling Masterclass from Farooqi and Rashid:
Chasing a target of 160 proved too much for New Zealand. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan ripped through their batting line-up, each claiming impressive figures of 4 wickets for 17 runs. New Zealand crumbled to a mere 75 runs, dismissed within 15.2 overs. Only Glenn Phillips (18 runs) and Matt Henry (10 runs) managed double digits.
Dominant Afghan Eye Super Eights:
With this emphatic win, Afghanistan have solidified their position for a Super Eights berth. Their clinical performance with both bat and ball leaves their opponents with a lot to ponder.
Afghanistan Survive Early Wobbles to Post Competitive Total
Despite a shaky start, Afghanistan managed to put up a fighting total of 159 runs against New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup match.
Early Openings for New Zealand:
Trent Boult found his rhythm early, swinging the new ball. However, Gurbaz and Ibrahim displayed positive intent, smashing boundaries off Lockie Ferguson.
Lady Luck on Afghanistan’s Side:
However, Afghanistan also benefitted from some fortunate moments. Gurbaz received a reprieve after a missed stumping, Ibrahim survived a dropped catch, and a miscommunication almost led to a run-out, but a fumbled throw saved him. An lbw decision against Ibrahim was also overturned on review.
Brace well and Ferguson Apply Brakes:
New Zealand introduced spin with Michael Bracewell, who stifled the flow of runs. Lockie Ferguson also tightened his bowling, and Afghanistan’s scoring rate slowed down considerably. Despite a missed chance by Kane Williamson off Ferguson’s bowling, Afghanistan reached only 55 runs after 10 overs.
Gurbaz Takes Charge:
The Afghanistan innings shifted gears after the power play. Gurbaz, particularly, found his range, launching five sixes in the next three overs. He and Ibrahim crossed the 100-run mark for the partnership before Ibrahim was dismissed.
Late Flourish and Boult’s Final Fifer:
Azmatullah Omarzai provided a quick fire cameo at number 3, while Mohammad Nabi fell cheaply. Gurbaz continued to find the boundary, but a three-wicket haul by Trent Boult in the final over restricted Afghanistan to a score of 159.
Farooqi and Rashid Wreak Havoc as New Zealand Crumble
Afghanistan’s bowlers put on a master class display, dismantling the New Zealand batting line-up in the ongoing T20 World Cup match.
Farooqi Provides Dream Start:
Fazalhaq Farooqi ignited Afghanistan’s bowling attack, dismissing Finn Allen with the very first ball. He continued his dominance in the next over, sending Tom Latham back to the pavilion with a sharp catch taken at extra cover.
Farooqi Strikes Again, Williamson Survives:
Farooqi wasn’t done yet. His third over within the powerplay brought another wicket. He trapped Daryl Mitchell plumb in front, with Gurbaz completing a comfortable catch. New Zealand were reeling at 28 for 3, and things could have been worse. A close lbw call against Kane Williamson went in his favor after Afghanistan’s review.
Rashid Joins the Bowling Party:
After the powerplay, Rashid Khan took over the mantle of wreaking havoc. He dismissed Kane Williamson straightaway, followed by a double-wicket maiden in his next over. Chapman’s pull shot resulted in a dismissal, while Bracewell was trapped lbw. New Zealand were left in tatters at 43 for 6.
Phillips’ Lone Resistance Ends:
Glenn Phillips offered some resistance with a few boundaries but was ultimately caught at long-on while trying to attack Mohammad Nabi. This dismissal extinguished any hopes of a New Zealand fight back.
Afghanistan Seal emphatic victory with clinical bowling performance
With New Zealand reeling at a precarious 43 for 6, the writing was already on the wall. Afghanistan’s bowlers continued their relentless attack, picking up wickets at regular intervals to ensure a comprehensive victory.
Tailenders Offer No Resistance:
New Zealand’s lower order batsmen were unable to weather the Afghan storm. Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked up two wickets apiece, cleaning up the tail quickly. Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson offered brief cameos but were eventually dismissed, leaving New Zealand out for a paltry 75 runs.
Dominant Afghan Spinners:
The spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were nearly unplayable, sharing a combined tally of 6 wickets for just 34 runs. Farooqi’s early burst with the new ball set the tone for Afghanistan’s bowling dominance.
A Clinical Performance Secures Top Spot:
Afghanistan’s clinical display with both bat and ball secured a convincing 84-run victory. After a shaky start with the bat, they recovered well to post a competitive total. Their bowling attack then ripped through the New Zealand batting order, showcasing exceptional skills and teamwork. This win propels Afghanistan to the top of Group C, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the Super Eights stage of the World Cup.
Celebration Time for Afghanistan:
The jubilant Afghan players erupted in celebration after securing a remarkable victory. Gurbaz, the hero with the bat, was declared the player of the match for his crucial knock. The team now enjoys a well-deserved break before their next encounter in the tournament.
New Zealand Left to Reflect:
For New Zealand, this loss serves as a wake-up call. Their decision to skip warm-up matches and their sloppy fielding have cost them dearly. They must regroup, analyze their mistakes, and come back stronger in their upcoming matches.
Afghanistan Crush New Zealand will be an impact on the tournament:
This emphatic win by Afghanistan has shaken up Group C. They have emerged as strong contenders alongside India for a place in the Super Eights. Other teams in the group will undoubtedly be wary of Afghanistan’s firepower, making the remaining matches even more exciting for fans.
All eyes will be on Afghanistan’s next opponent to see if they can maintain their winning momentum. This tournament has already witnessed some unexpected results, and Afghanistan’s performance is a testament to the evolving landscape of international cricket.
