T20 WC 2024: Afghanistan thrash New Zealand in one-sided affair
In what can be called another shocking outcome in the ongoing 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Afghanistan thrashed New Zealand by 84 runs in Match 14. It was a thumping win for the Afghan team as the Kiwis were folded for 75 while chasing 160 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farooqi starred for Afghanistan. Here is more.
Afghanistan post a strong total
Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran (44) got Afghanistan off to another fine start as they added 103 runs. The former was the aggressor in the partnership as he hammered runs all over the park. Azmatullah Omarzai made a handy 22 as Afghanistan finished at 159/6. Pacers Matt Henry and Trent Boult claimed two wickets apiece.
NZ falter in the chase
The Kiwis could never get going in response as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Farooqi set the tone by dismissing Finn Allen on the first ball of the innings. While the left-arm pacer was sensational in the powerplay, Rashid was lethal in the middle overs. Glenn Phillips (18) and Henry (12) were the only ones to enter double digits.
Key records scripted in the game
Afghanistan recorded their third-biggest win in terms of runs in T20 WCs (84). While they beat Scotland by 130 runs in the 2021 edition, they thrashed Uganda by 125 runs in their opener of the ongoing season. Meanwhile, NZ recorded their second-lowest T20 WC total (75). They were bundled out for 60 in the 2014 game against Sri Lanka.
Historic win for Afghanistan
This is the first time Afghanistan defeated New Zealand in five international matches. NZ clinched all their three ODI matches against the Afghan team. Their only previous T20I meeting took place in the 2021 T20 WC. Chasing 125 in Abu Dhabi, the Kiwis recorded an eight-wicket win, crossing the line in 18.1 overs.
