Afghanistan in their ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, On Saturday, defeated the Black Caps by 84 runs. After attempting to reach 160 runs, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz who scored 80 runs on 56 balls. New Zealand’s whole team was dismissed for 75 runs in 15.2 overs. After taking four wickets apiece, Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan and bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi were the main destroyers with the ball. Glenn Phillips (18 off 18) and Matt Henry (12 off 17) were the only two New Zealand batsmen to reach double figures.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl first but it was Afghanistan all the way through. After the USA upset Pakistan in a Super Over this was T20 World Cup 2024 2nd upset as New Zealand was a much stronger and more experienced team then Afghanistan. For New Zealand, it was their first game of the tournament
It was Afghanistan’s 2nd win as they defeated Uganda in their tournament’s opening encounter. Afghanistan has already won two of their last three tournament games in Group C, putting them in position to advance to the Super 8 round.
Rashid Khan Post Match Interview:
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan in a post match interview said, “Among our best T20I cricket performances ever against a formidable opposition. It’s a fantastic group effort. The way Gurbaz and Ibrahim got going again—it was a difficult wicket. In overs 7–10, they did not waste any of their wickets. Great win for Afghanistan and it’s been an honour for me to lead this side and win against Black Caps.” With the bowling unit we have, we can bowl opponents really hard as long as we consistently hit the right spots, if the target score is around 160 and 170 runs. The way Nabi bowled the second over, in particular, the seamers and spinners gave us a hint that the ball was turning”.
T20 World Cup 2024 Group C Points Table:
Afghanistan after their consecutive 2nd win from Black Caps are on a drive seat as they are leading this Group C. With the 4 points in 2 matches Afghanistan have one step in the Super 8 round and from this position it should very easy for them to qualify for the next round.
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