Rashid Khan hailed Afghanistan’s commanding 84-run triumph over New Zealand as one of their finest T20 performances. With Rashid leading the bowling charge alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan dismantled New Zealand’s batting lineup, restricting them to just 75 runs in a chase of 159.
The foundation for Afghanistan’s victory was laid by the impressive opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who capitalized on their reprieves to stitch together a crucial 103-run stand.
Reflecting on the match, Rashid emphasized the team effort and praised Gurbaz and Zadran for their composed innings, particularly during the challenging middle overs. He credited Afghanistan’s bowling unit for executing their plans effectively, exploiting the conditions that offered support for both spinners and seamers.
The victory places Afghanistan in a favorable position to advance from Group C, which includes strong contenders like the West Indies and New Zealand. Conversely, New Zealand finds themselves vulnerable after a disappointing start, facing the prospect of missing out on the next round.
Despite the defeat, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson acknowledged Afghanistan’s dominance and highlighted his team’s shortcomings, particularly in fielding lapses that cost them crucial opportunities. Looking ahead, Williamson stressed the importance of regrouping quickly and delivering a stronger performance in their upcoming match against the West Indies.
