Afghanistan scored 159/6 in 20 overs, where as New Zealand scored 75 in 15.2 overs.
So, finally Afghanistan beat New Zealand by 84 runs.
The Power Play proved decisive in Afghanistan’s commanding victory over New Zealand in Guyana.
Fazalhaq made an immediate impact with his first delivery, claiming three wickets in his initial spell as New Zealand struggled to 33/3.
This early collapse set the tone for the match, with New Zealand unable to recover and ultimately being dismissed for just 75 runs in 15.2 overs.
Meanwhile, during their Power Play, Afghanistan capitalized on favorable conditions, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran forging a second successive century stand.
Despite the pitch offering some challenges, Afghanistan’s measured approach allowed them to build a substantial total, applying significant scoreboard pressure on the undercooked Black Caps.
This early dominance laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s eventual triumph and positioned them as heavy favorites to progress from Group C.
| Team | Afghanistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 44/0 | 33/3 |
| Run Rate | 7.33 | 5.5 |
| 4s/6s | 6/0 | 3/0 |
Afghanistan
PowerPlay: Afghanistan Sets Steady Pace After Being Put in to Bat
Phase Score: 44/0 (RR: 7.33, 4s/6s: 6/0)
Afghanistan enjoyed early fortune, racing to 21 runs after two overs with three boundaries, including two edges off Matt Henry.
Despite some close calls, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80 off 56) and Ibrahim Zadran (44 off 41) steadied Afghanistan’s innings, propelling them to a solid Power Play total of 44.
Zadran, like Gurbaz, was also granted a reprieve when Finn Allen dropped a simple catch at deep square leg.
Middle Overs: Momentum Swings with a Deluge of Sixes
Phase Score: 62/1 (RR: 6.88, 4s/6s: 0/5)
New Zealand initially tightened their grip during the middle overs, restricting Afghanistan’s boundary scoring.
However, the tide turned in the 11th over when Michael Bracewell conceded three sixes.
This momentum shift, coupled with Mitchell Santner’s economical bowling, helped Afghanistan post 62 runs in the middle overs, despite losing Zadran.
Death Overs: Afghanistan’s Charge Halted Briefly by Boult’s Brilliance
Phase Score: 53/5 (RR: 10.6, 4s/6s: 4/4)
Azmatullah Omarzai’s quickfire 22 and Gurbaz’s resilient half-century propelled Afghanistan’s charge in the death overs.
However, Trent Boult’s exceptional final over, conceding only three runs and claiming two wickets, curbed Afghanistan’s total to 159.
Despite the late flourish, Afghanistan fell short of a higher target.
New Zealand
Power Play: Fazalhaq Rocks New Zealand’s Chase
Phase Score: 33/3 (RR: 5.5, 4s/6s: 3/0)
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s early breakthroughs set the tone for Afghanistan’s target defense, dismissing Finn Allen with the first ball.
Farooqi’s accurate bowling troubled New Zealand’s inexperienced batters, leading to the dismissals of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell.
Despite a reprieve for Kane Williamson, New Zealand struggled, ending the Power Play at 33/3.
Middle Overs: Rashid Khan’s Brilliance Completes New Zealand’s Rout
Phase Score: 42/5
Rashid Khan’s masterful bowling wreaked havoc on New Zealand’s batting lineup during the middle overs.
Khan’s four-wicket haul, including the crucial wicket of Williamson, dismantled New Zealand’s resistance.
Mohammad Nabi also contributed with two wickets, ensuring Afghanistan’s dominance despite Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s absence.
Fazalhaq returned to wrap up New Zealand’s innings, securing a comprehensive victory with 28 balls to spare.
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