In a thrilling showdown at Providence Stadium, Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess shone brightly, clinching a remarkable 84-run triumph over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
Batting first, Afghanistan laid down a challenging gauntlet, posting a formidable total of 159 for six. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the charge with an impressive 80 runs, ably supported by Ibrahim Zadrau’s contribution of 44 runs, setting the stage for an intense battle.
However, it was Afghanistan’s bowlers who truly stole the show, orchestrating a masterful display of skill and precision. Rashid Khan emerged as the hero, wreaking havoc with the ball by claiming four crucial wickets while conceding a mere 17 runs. The early breakthrough by Fazalhaq Farooqi, dismissing Finn Allen, set the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance, with Rashid Khan’s relentless assault further dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
New Zealand found themselves in dire straits, struggling to counter Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack, ultimately crumbling to a paltry total of 75 runs in 15.2 overs. This marked New Zealand’s second-lowest T20 score in history, underscoring the sheer dominance displayed by Afghanistan on the field.
With this resounding victory, Afghanistan ascends to the summit of Group C, following their earlier triumph against Uganda. Their stellar performances, both with the bat and the ball, have firmly established them as a formidable force to reckon with in the tournament, signaling their intent to vie for ultimate glory on the world stage.