T20 World Cup 2024 ; AFG vs NZ ; Skipper Rashid Khan and in-form left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi took four wickets each as Afghanistan defeated New Zealand by 84 runs in a Group C encounter of the T20 World Cup in Guyana. Chasing a target of 160 at the Providence Stadium, the 2021 runners-up were bowled out for 75 in just 15.2 overs. Only two batsmen Glenn Phillips (18) and Matt Henry (12) managed to reach double figures. Both Farooqi and Khan finished with identical figures of 4/17. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who won the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, gave Afghanistan a solid start with a 56-ball 80 after New Zealand chose to bowl. Gurbaz smashed five sixes and as many fours and shared a 103-run stand for the first wicket in 14.3 overs with Ibrahim Zadran (44 off 41 balls; 2×6, 3×4). However, Afghanistan could not finish strong as Trent Boult (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/37) restricted them to 159 for 6.
Player of The Match : Rahmanullah Gurbaz Opener Gurbaz hit a brilliant 80 and shared a 103-run opening partnership with Ibrahim Zadran (44) which proved to be decisive against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack led by Trent Boult. Farooqi (4/17) then took three wickets to demolish the New Zealand innings and captain Rashid Khan (4/17) breathed life into the Kiwi run-chase, the best bowling figures by a captain in T20 World Cup history. This is Afghanistan's first win over New Zealand in T20 1st and second consecutive win in this tournament, making them one of the favourites to qualify for the 'Super 8' from Group C.
Afghanistan defeated New Zealand by 84 runs, their first ever win against New Zealand in T20 Internationals Farooqi took 4 for 17, with a skier off the bat of Matt Henry (12) being safely caught by Karim Janat. New Zealand were all out for just 75 in 15.2 overs.
AFG vs NZ : Wicket No. 9! Rashid finishes with 4 scalps !
Lock Ferguson (2) edged a straight delivery to bowler Rashid, who finished a brilliant spell of leg-spin bowling with his fourth wicket. His figures were 4 for 17 in four overs, the best by a captain in a T20 World Cup. New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live: New Zealand are 63 for 9 in 13 overs.
