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KARACHI:
Afghanistan continued their strong showing in the Super Eight stage, securing another convincing victory by defeating New Zealand by 84 runs in Providence. This win, following their previous triumph over Uganda by 125 runs, has placed them at the top of Group C with an impressive net run rate of 5.225.
In the match against New Zealand, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided a solid start for Afghanistan, accumulating 103 runs in 14.3 overs. This partnership marked their second consecutive century stand in the T20 World Cup, following their 154-run partnership against Uganda.
Afghanistan’s batting performance was divided into two halves. They scored 55 runs without losing any wickets in the first ten overs, but managed only 104 runs for the loss of six wickets in the remaining ten overs. Gurbaz played a significant role, contributing 80 runs off 56 balls.
New Zealand, who opted out of playing warm-up games, displayed signs of rustiness, evident from dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities.
Chasing a target of 160 runs on a pitch aiding both seamers and spinners was always going to be challenging.
However, New Zealand’s collapse was unexpected. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan wreaked havoc, picking up four wickets each and bowling out New Zealand for just 75 runs in 15.2 overs. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry were the only New Zealand batsmen to reach double figures.
The start of Afghanistan’s innings was shaky, with Trent Boult finding some swing and causing trouble. However, Gurbaz and Ibrahim displayed intent by attacking the bowling, despite having some luck on their side with dropped catches and missed run-out chances by New Zealand fielders.
New Zealand tried to contain the run flow by introducing spinners, but Afghanistan remained unscathed, reaching 55 runs after the first ten overs. Although Michael Bracewell and Lockie Ferguson bowled economically, Afghanistan managed to maintain their momentum, eventually securing a dominant victory over New Zealand.
Afghanistan struggled to hit sixes in the initial overs but picked up the pace later, with Gurbaz and Bracewell leading the charge. They surpassed 100 runs in the 14th over, but New Zealand managed to break through when Ibrahim was bowled by Henry.
Azmatullah Omarzai, promoted to No. 3, contributed 22 runs, including two sixes off Henry. Despite Mohammad Nabi’s early dismissal, Gurbaz continued to score boundaries consistently. Boult’s final over restricted Afghanistan to 159 runs.
Farooqi made a dream start with the ball, dismissing Finn Allen and Conway early on. His third over in the powerplay further damaged New Zealand’s batting lineup, with Mitchell falling to a catch by Gurbaz.
Although there was a close call for Williamson’s lbw, Afghanistan soon claimed his wicket, followed by quick dismissals by Rashid Khan, leaving New Zealand struggling at 43 for 6. Phillips tried to revive the innings but was caught at long-on, ending New Zealand’s hopes of recovery.
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