The cricket world is buzzing after Afghanistan pulled off a sensational upset win against New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup. This Friday night encounter, played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, saw the Afghans dominate the Kiwis, winning by a massive margin of 84 runs.
Afghanistan Bat First, Set a Challenging Target
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a flying start thanks to a blistering knock by Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The explosive opener smashed 80 runs off just 44 balls, laying a solid foundation for his team’s total. Ibrahim Zadran provided valuable support with a well-paced 44. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals in the latter half of the innings, Afghanistan managed to post a competitive 159 runs on the board.
New Zealand’s Batting Crumbles Under Afghan Spin
Chasing a seemingly modest target, New Zealand’s batting lineup faltered against Afghanistan’s potent spin attack. Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi continued his impressive form, picking up four wickets for a mere 17 runs. The wily spin of Rashid Khan proved equally unplayable, as he also bagged four wickets for the same cost. New Zealand’s batsmen were simply unable to counter the Afghan bowlers’ variations and accuracy, collapsing for a paltry 75 runs in just 15.2 overs.
A Historic Victory for Afghanistan
This win marks a significant moment for Afghan cricket. Not only did they secure a crucial two points in the group stage, but it was also their first-ever victory over New Zealand in a T20 International match. The passionate Afghan fans erupted in celebration, witnessing their team rewrite history.
Credit to Afghanistan’s All-Round Performance
The victory was a collective effort from the entire Afghan team. Gurbaz’s batting heroics provided the impetus, while the bowling attack, spearheaded by Farooqi and Khan, choked the life out of the New Zealand chase. This win is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Afghan cricketers, who are rapidly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
With this win, Afghanistan have firmly positioned themselves at the top of Group C. They will be looking to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming matches. New Zealand, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and bounce back from this disappointing defeat. The T20 World Cup is still wide open, and both teams have the potential to turn things around.