West Indies
Afghanistan Crushes New Zealand by 84 Runs in Stunning T20 World Cup Upset. Afghanistan delivered a sensational performance at the Guyana National Stadium. They crushed a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to seize the top spot in Group C of the T20 World Cup. The Black Caps, set a challenging target of 160 for victory, crumbled to 75 all out in 15.2 overs. This marks their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in T20 International cricket.
Batting Brilliance Sets the Stage
Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star of the Afghan innings, scoring a dazzling 80 off 56 balls, featuring five fours and five sixes. His solid partnership of 103 runs for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 44 off 41 balls, laid a robust foundation. Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 159 for six after being put in to bat, with New Zealand bowlers Trent Boult and Matt Henry each claiming two wickets.
Afghanistan Innings Highlights:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 80 (56)
- Ibrahim Zadran: 44 (41)
- Trent Boult: 4-22-2
- Matt Henry: 4-37-2
Bowling Masterclass Seals the Victory
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was led by left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who followed up his five-wicket haul against Uganda. This was a stellar performance, taking four wickets for 17 runs in 3.2 overs. He dismantled New Zealand’s top order, setting the tone for a dominant display.
Captain and leg-spinner Rashid Khan shared the bowling honors, delivering a lethal spell of four for 17, including the pivotal wicket of New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson with the first ball of his spell, effectively ending the contest.
New Zealand Innings Highlights:
- Glenn Phillips: 18 (18)
- Matt Henry: 12 (17)
- Rashid Khan: 4-17-4
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: 3.2-17-4
Comprehensive Victory
New Zealand’s batting collapse was swift and decisive, as they failed to mount any significant resistance. Glenn Phillips was the top scorer with 18 off 18 balls, but the rest of the lineup faltered under relentless pressure from Afghanistan’s bowlers.
This landmark victory not only propels Afghanistan to the top of Group C but also signals their growing prowess in international cricket. With this remarkable win, Afghanistan has firmly established themselves as a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, while New Zealand will need to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward.
