AFG vs NZ: Afghanistan Brushes New Zealand Aside By 84 Runs To Secure Back-To-Back Wins In T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand's 75-run defeat against Afghanistan is their largest margin of loss in terms of runs in T20 World Cup history.

AFG vs NZ highlights: In yet another significant upset at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan attained a remarkable win by defeating New Zealand by 84 runs in AFG vs NZ T20 World Cup 2024 match on Saturday (June 8).

Led by senior leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Afghanistan defended a decent 160-run target in the match held at the Providence Stadium, Guyana. The Afghans bowled out New Zealand for mere 75 runs.

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New Zealand's 75-run defeat against Afghanistan is their largest margin of loss in terms of runs in T20 World Cup history. Furthermore, this victory marks Afghanistan's first-ever win against New Zealand in their five encounters in international cricket.

Rashid Khan and Fazal Haq Farooqui, chief architects of New Zealand's downfall

New Zealand won the toss and invited Afghanistan to bat first. The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (56-ball 80) and Ibrahim Zadran (41-ball 44) provided their team with a solid start, forging a partnership of 103 runs for the first wicket.

Following the solid start, Azmatullah Umarzai's 22 runs off 13 balls propelled Afghanistan to 159/6. Trent Boult and Matt Henry claimed 2 wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson secured 1 wicket.

New Zealand's pursuit of the target got off to a dismal start. Fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqui clean bowled Phil Allen for a duck on the very first ball of New Zealand's innings. Farooqui also dismissed the second opener Devon Conway for just 8 runs. Afghan captain Rashid Khan further provided a big breakthrough by dismissing captain Kane Williamson cheaply for just 9 runs.

Glenn Phillips, who managed 18 runs off 18 balls, was the highest run-scorer for New Zealand. Apart from Phillips, only Matt Henry contributed with 12 runs towards the end. A total of 9 Kiwi batters fell short to cross double figures.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, along with pacer Fazal Haq Farooqui, were the architects of New Zealand's downfall, claiming 4 wickets each. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 2 crucial wickets. Afghanistan's remarkable bowling performance led to New Zealand's collapse, as they were bundled out for just 75 runs.