"Second best Asian team.." Fans react as Afghanistan thump New Zealand by 85 runs in ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Gurbaz, Rashid and Farooqi were the stars for Afghanistan in their historic win over New Zealand.

The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan recorded a memorable victory over Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in match number 14 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 at the Providence Stadium, Guyana. Not only did they manage a win over the Black Caps, they hammered them by a huge margin of 85 runs.

Coupling this with their previous win over Uganda by 125 runs, Afghanistan now have a net run rate of +5.225, which has significantly boosted their chances of reaching the Super 8 stage. Their remaining two matches are against West Indies and Papua New Guinea.

Coming to the AFG vs NZ encounter that has left the fans in awe, the Asian side had three heroes: opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz batted for more than 19 overs to score 80 runs in 56 balls; pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi took four wickets, three of which were Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell; skipper Rashid Khan also took four scalps, including Kane Williamson and Mark Chapman.

Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl first in Guyana. Afghanistan posted 159 on the board with openers Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran sharing a 103-run partnership. The Kiwis were sloppy in the field as they missed as many as five chances!

In reply, the Black Caps simply couldn’t get going. The Asian side were on top right from the first ball when Farooqi castled Finn Allen. Only two Kiwi batters could get into double figures, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 18. New Zealand were bundled out for 75.

Fans on Twitter erupted in celebration and amazement at Afghanistan’s win over New Zealand:

Afghanistan defeating New Zealand is not an upset. Hope this helps. They are easily the 2nd best Asian cricket team at the moment. #NZvsAFG pic.twitter.com/iPmwFcYsbx

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 8, 2024

– Defeated ENG in ODI WC in 2023– Defeated PAK in ODI WC in 2023– Defeated SL in ODI WC in 2023– Defeated NZ in T20I WC in 2024THE RISE OF AFGHANISTAN CRICKET 💪 pic.twitter.com/XMbieOtOFJ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 8, 2024

AFGHANISTAN BEAT NEW ZEALAND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN T20I HISTORY. 🔥– New Zealand lost the match by their biggest ever margin in T20 World Cup history. 😱 pic.twitter.com/UtFNUkcGHR

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 8, 2024

More tweets on AFG vs NZ:

Historic moment for Afghanistan!Beating New Zealand in T20Is for the first time and that too with a commanding margin. Kudos to the team members and congrats to all the compatriots & cricket fans! pic.twitter.com/Aa67OgzfV5

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) June 8, 2024

People shouldn't club Afghanistan's win over New Zealand with the USA and Canada's recent wins. Afghanistan one isn't much of a surprise.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 8, 2024

100+ opening stand by Gurbaz and Ibrahim, Fazalhaq destroying the top order, then Rashid running through the middle order. Top notch professional display from Afghanistan! NZ on the other hand looked extremely under prepared and paid a heavy price. #NZvAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OJ0Oam31MQ

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 8, 2024

How good have Afghanistan been! Overjoyed for them. They were a bowling side early on, still one of the better ones in this tournament, but now their batters are giving them the runs. They are doing many things right.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 8, 2024

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