Building momentum as T20 World Cup 2024 contenders, Afghanistan secured their second consecutive win on Saturday, June 8. They kicked off their campaign with a dominant victory against Uganda and followed it up by crushing New Zealand in Georgetown. Defending a modest 160 runs, Afghanistan skittled New Zealand for a mere 75 in 15.2 overs, with both Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan claiming four wickets each.
Earlier, Rahmanullah Gurbaz's blistering 80 off 56 balls propelled Afghanistan to a competitive 159 on the board. The upset win left many fans surprised, considering New Zealand were among the favorites for the championship. Reacting to Afghanistan's stunning win, former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan took to the newly rebranded X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a playful remark.
“How do I report a murder in Guyana? #T20WorldCup24 #AFGvsNZ,” McClenaghan's post on X read.
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Meanwhile, former India's star batter Wasim Jaffer heaped praise on the resurgent Afghanistan with a special mention to Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gurbaz.
"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".
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who also served as Afghanistan's mentor during their impressive run at the ODI World Cup last year, commented:
"Not because I spent time with time and I am grateful to them. I think they are very special people as human beings There is something about them I have never experienced in most parts of the world."
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Echoing the praise, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan offered some valuable advice to the Afghan team.
"Well done Afghanistan on beating New Zealand. If their batting clicks regularly they can be very dangerous side in this World Cup cos their bowling is top quality in these conditions", Pathan wrote on X.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan have two matches remaining in the group stage, against Papua New Guinea and West Indies. Meanwhile, New Zealand will face off against West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in their remaining group fixtures.
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