RECAP
Follow UsNew Zealand's sloppy day
Playing their first match of the T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand were far from their best as they dropped catches, missed run-outs and failed to take reviews at the right time. On top of this, their batters rounded off the day by playing silly shots.
With most of the NZ players playing a competitive cricket after some time, the scratchiness was evident.
Gurbaz makes the best of his chances
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (80) rode his luck as he got Afghanistan to a good start once again. He slammed his second fifty of the tournament, setting a base for his side to get to a competitive total.
Boult's stunning last over
One of the positives for New Zealand today was the way Trent Boult (3/22) went about his business. Afghanistan were staring at about 170 when he came on to bowl, with the Blackcaps conceding 8, 13, 13 and 16 in the last four overs.
Boult gave away just three runs and picked up two wickets to keep Afghanistan under 160.
Fazalhaq starts well in powerplay
Five wickets in the first match against Uganda and four today, including three in the powerplay, Fazalhaq Farooqi proved to be a thorn in New Zealand’s flesh.
He struck off the very first ball and, from there on, completely tilted the game in his side’s favour with two more wickets in the first six.
Rashid capitalises on a good start
After Farooqi had bowled a superb spell in the powerplay, Rashid Khan took matters into his own hands, finishing with 4/17.
He certainly hit the right lengths and let the ball do the talking.
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