Who won the match Australia or Afghanistan today?
In a turn of events that has left the cricketing world in awe, Afghanistan has made a resounding statement at the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup. The team put the tournament heavyweights, New Zealand, to the sword in a match that will be remembered for years to come.
A Game of Surprises
The Kiwis, known for their formidable presence in the cricketing arena, were outplayed in all aspects of the game. Afghanistan’s performance was a testament to the nation’s emerging T20 stars, who have dared to dream and achieve in the Caribbean and USA.
New Zealand’s strategy of sending Afghanistan in after winning the toss backfired as the Afghan openers capitalized on multiple fielding errors. A missed stumping, a fumbled run-out, and a dropped catch in the outfield gave Afghanistan the lifelines they needed to build a strong innings.
The Afghan Innings
Afghanistan’s openers laid a solid foundation, reaching 55/0 at the midpoint of their innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who reached 50 for the second time in this tournament, and Ibrahim Zadran, who struck a handy 44 off 41 balls, led the charge. Azmatullah Omarzai added a quick 22-run cameo from just 13 deliveries, pushing the pace of the game.
Despite reaching 150 inside 19 overs, the Kiwis managed to restrict the final over to just three runs, setting a target of 160 for the win.
The Kiwi Collapse
New Zealand’s batting efforts mirrored their shortcomings in the field. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left-arm pacer, dismissed Finn Allen with the first ball and went on to claim the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell. Farooqi, who had taken Five wickets for nine runs against Uganda, continued his impressive form, ending with figures of 17/4 off 3.2 overs.
Rashid Khan also made significant contributions, claiming the prized wicket of Kane Williamson with his first ball and finishing with figures of 17/4 off his four overs.
A Historic Win
With Glenn Phillips’ run-a-ball 18 being the Kiwis’ top contribution with the bat, the side was all out for 75 runs off 15.2 overs. This victory leaves Afghanistan atop Group C, with two wins to start their campaign and a Super 8 berth within reach.
This match has not only been a game-changer for Afghanistan but also a wake-up call for the so-called heavyweights of the cricketing world. It’s a reminder that in the world of cricket, it’s not just about the big names but the performance on the field that counts.