(AP Photo)
Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable victory over New Zealand, winning by a commanding margin of 84 runs in a Group C clash at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. Skipper Rashid Khan and the in-form left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi were the architects of this triumph, each claiming four wickets.
Facing a target of 160 at the Providence Stadium, the 2021 runners-up faltered and were bundled out for just 75 runs, enduring a challenging 15.2 overs at the crease. Only Glen Phillips (18) and Matt Henry (12) managed to reach double figures in the New Zealand innings.
Both Farooqi and Khan delivered stellar performances, finishing with identical figures of 4/17.
Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who arrived fresh from his IPL victory with the Kolkata Knight Riders, provided a splendid start with a blistering 56-ball 80 after New Zealand elected to field first.
Gurbaz, smashing five sixes and an equal number of fours, partnered with Ibrahim Zadran (41-ball 44; 2×6, 3×4) to establish a formidable 103-run opening stand in 14.3 overs.
Despite their strong start, Afghanistan couldn’t capitalize fully as Trent Boult (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/37) applied pressure in the latter stages, limiting them to a total of 159 for six.
