In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan emerged victorious against New Zealand at Providence Stadium in Guyana, claiming an emphatic 84-run win in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Led by their formidable bowlers and anchored by a stellar batting performance, Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to secure their second consecutive win in the tournament and overall first victory over the Blackcaps in the shortest format.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads Afghanistan’s charge with explosive batting
Facing off against New Zealand, Afghanistan showcased their batting depth, setting a formidable total of 159/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz stole the show with a sensational knock of 80 runs off 56 balls, featuring an array of boundaries and sixes. Supported by Ibrahim Zadran‘s resilient 44, Afghanistan built a solid foundation despite early setbacks, laying the groundwork for a challenging total.
Also READ: From Mayanti Langer to Swedha Singh & Nashpreet Kaur: Here’s the list of anchors, presenters for T20 World Cup 2024
New Zealand’s bowlers face uphill battle
New Zealand’s bowling unit faced a daunting challenge against Afghanistan’s aggressive batting lineup. Despite efforts from Trent Boult and Matt Henry, who claimed two wickets each, Afghanistan’s batters capitalized on loose deliveries, accumulating runs at a brisk pace. Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Santner also contributed with a wicket each, but Afghanistan’s strong start and late flourish propelled them to a competitive score.
Afghanistan’s bowlers run riot
In pursuit of 160 runs, New Zealand’s batting lineup faltered under the relentless pressure imposed by Afghanistan’s bowlers. Fazalhaq Farooqi led the charge with a fiery spell, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs, while Mohammad Nabi provided crucial breakthroughs with two wickets. Captain Rashid Khan showcased his spin wizardry, snaring four wickets and orchestrating New Zealand’s batting collapse. Rashid’s masterclass, coupled with Farooqi’s early onslaught, left New Zealand reeling at 75 all out. Gurbaz was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional batting.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
100+ opening stand by Gurbaz and Ibrahim, Fazalhaq destroying the top order, then Rashid running through the middle order. Top notch professional display from Afghanistan! NZ on the other hand looked extremely under prepared and paid a heavy price. #NZvAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OJ0Oam31MQ
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 8, 2024
Back-to-back fifties for Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the #T20WorldCup 👏#NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/o5Crz4Sqt3
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 8, 2024
Superb all-round performance from the men in blue @ACBofficials. Well played @rashidkhan_19 @RGurbaz_21 @fazalfarooqi10 @IZadran18 @MohammadNabi007 and all the players, staff, fans and the entire nation.
Mubarak mo sha!#NZvAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2OLk58NB5X— Mirwais Ashraf (@MirwaisAshraf16) June 8, 2024
What an amazing performance by Afghanistan 🇦🇫 against New Zealand
They have outclassed New Zealand in all departments..
Rashid khan , Gurbaz and Farooqi are the stars of the day🔥#AfgvsNZ#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/HzVG1L7IkF— Saad (@Saad_dogar77) June 8, 2024
What a player Gurbaz is turning to be!
Mohammad Haris could have been developed something like him but … pic.twitter.com/IXuV86cHOt— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) June 8, 2024
EXCELLENT INNINGS FROM GURBAZ!! #AFGvNZ #T20WC2024 pic.twitter.com/EGy7X6CSU1
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman) June 8, 2024
Gurbaz just hit one of the best ever sixes you’ll see in World Cup
— yang goi (@GongR1ght) June 8, 2024
Afghanistan defeating New Zealand is not an upset. Hope this helps. They are easily the 2nd best Asian cricket team at the moment. #NZvsAFG pic.twitter.com/iPmwFcYsbx
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 8, 2024
New Zealand has been bowled out on 75 in 15.2 as Afghanistan won the match by 84 runs in Guyana 👏
Afghanistan has become a strong force in T20i Cricket 🏏
Magnificent performances ✨
Fazal Haq Farooqi 4/17
Rashid Khan 4/17
Rehmanullah Gurbaz 80 (56)#T20WorldCup2024 #NZvAFG pic.twitter.com/2Su8mLfdKy— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) June 8, 2024
What a fiery performance by Rashid Khan! Captain’s stellar 4 for 17 in 4 overs dominates Kiwi batters. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uAEtnxByAJ
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) June 8, 2024
𝐀𝐟𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧! 🙌#AfghanAtalan put on a comprehensive all-round performance to beat @BLACKCAPS by 84 runs and register 2nd successive victory in the #T20WorldCup. 🤩
Congratulations to the Entire Afghan Nation and all the fans around the world. 👏👏#AFGvNZ pic.twitter.com/PW7YPpHxLF
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 8, 2024
Afghanistan beat New Zealand by 84 runs 👊#cricket #NZvAFG #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/vj8hK2MlFT
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 8, 2024
