Afghanistan registered a emphatic 84-run victory over New Zealand in their T20 World Cup clash in Guyana on Saturday. After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a flying start thanks to an entertaining knock from wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He smashed 5 sixes and 5 fours in his 56-ball 80 to give Afghanistan a solid platform. Ibrahim Zadran chipped in with 44 as the duo added 103 runs for the first wicket. Useful contributions from the middle order helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 159/6.
In response, New Zealand never got going against some inspired Afghanistan bowling. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan were the standout bowlers, claiming 4 wickets each to dismantle the Kiwi batting. Farooqi made early inroads while Khan’s leg-spin was too hot to handle on a turning track. Apart from Glen Phillips and Matt Henry who made 18 and 12 respectively, none of the New Zealand batsmen could cope with the pressure of the asking rate. They were bowled out for just 75 in 15.2 overs, handing Afghanistan a resounding victory. The win will come as a huge boost to Afghanistan ahead of their remaining group matches.
