Afghanistan’s easy win over New Zealand

KATHMANDU: Afghanistan defeated New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan achieved a historic 84-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup cricket match on Saturday morning. This triumph marks Afghanistan’s first-ever win against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan set a target of 160 runs, and New Zealand was bowled out for just 75 runs in 15.2 overs.

This victory is Afghanistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament, following their massive 125-run win over Uganda.

Fazalhaq Farooqi played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s success, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in 3.2 overs. Rashid Khan also excelled, claiming 4 wickets for 17 runs in his 4 overs.

For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips scored 18 runs off 18 balls, and Matt Henry added 12 runs off 17 balls. No other New Zealand batsmen managed to reach double figures.

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan posted a total of 159 runs for 6 wickets after losing the toss. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid a strong foundation with a century partnership for the first wicket. Zadran scored 44 runs off 41 balls, while Gurbaz top-scored with 80 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai also contributed 22 runs off 13 balls.

For New Zealand, Trent Boult and Matt Henry each took 2 wickets, while Lockie Ferguson claimed 1 wicket.

This is Afghanistan’s first ever T20I match against New Zealand. Afghanistan, who are in Group C, have won their second consecutive win and have gained 4 points and are in the top position. Before this, Afghanistan defeated Uganda in the first match.

Now New Zealand will play their next match against West Indies on June 13, while Afghanistan is scheduled to play against PNG on June 14.