GUYANA – In a remarkable performance in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan secured a significant victory over New Zealand, winning by 84 runs.
New Zealand opted to field first after winning the toss against Afghanistan in the 14th match of ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Afghanistan, batting first, posted a total of 159 runs in their 20 overs. The opening duo, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, laid a strong foundation with a 103-run partnership before Zadran was dismissed for 44 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with a brisk 23 off 13 balls.
Captain Rashid Khan added 6 runs, Karim Janat scored 1, while Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib were out for ducks. The standout performer was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 80 runs off 56 balls. On the bowling front for New Zealand, Matt Henry and Trent Boult each claimed 2 wickets, and Lockie Ferguson took 1.
In their chase, New Zealand struggled against the Afghan bowlers. Opener Finn Allen was bowled out on the first ball of the innings. Glenn Phillips managed 18 runs and Matt Henry added 12, but no other batsman reached double figures. New Zealand’s innings folded at 75 runs, far short of the 160-run target.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who both took 4 wickets each, with Mohammad Nabi chipping in with 2 wickets.
Teams:
New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
