Afghanistan hammered a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to take top spot in Group C of the T20 World Cup with a stunning win at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday.
Rampant Afghanistan defeated a sluggish New Zealand by 84 runs to take top spot in Group C of the T20 World Cup on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium. Set a difficult 160 for victory, the Black Caps were all out for 75 in 15.2 overs, suffering their first T20 International defeat against Afghanistan. The Afghans’ opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the way with a top score of 80 off 56 balls (five fours, five sixes), and they posted 103 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (44) by the 15th over on their route to a final total of 159 for six after they were inserted.
Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm seamer, then followed up his five-wicket devastation of Uganda by taking the first three wickets of the New Zealand innings before returning to capture a fourth to end the match.
Rashid Khan, the captain and a fearsome leg-spinner, shared the bowling honours with four for 17, including opposite number Kane Williamson with the first ball of his stint, virtually ending the match.
New Zealand’s defeat and clear rustiness leaves the 2021 beaten finalists with a difficult test ahead, starting with co-hosts West Indies in Trinidad next Wednesday.
