Afghanistan Stuns New Zealand in Historic T20 World Cup Win

Afghanistan's cricket team continues to make history, stunning New Zealand by 84 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The victory adds to Afghanistan's impressive recent record, which includes wins over England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Chasing 160 after Rahmanullah Gurbaz's brilliant 80, New Zealand's batting collapsed. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan decimated the Kiwi lineup, taking four wickets each. Mohammad Nabi also contributed with two wickets.

Experts and fans hailed Afghanistan's performance. Former India batsman Wasim Jaffer praised their "top notch professional display," while former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan humorously tweeted, "How do I report a murder in Guyana?"

Afghanistan's win puts them in a strong position in Group C, with four points and a healthy net run rate of +5.2. They next face Papua New Guinea on June 14, while New Zealand takes on West Indies on June 13.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, who worked with Afghanistan as a mentor during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, praised the team's character. "They are very special people as human beings," said Jadeja.

Irfan Pathan, a winner of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, believes Afghanistan's batting holds the key to their success. "If their batting clicks regularly, they can be a very dangerous side in this World Cup," tweeted Pathan.

Afghanistan's victory is a testament to their growing strength in international cricket. They have consistently punched above their weight, and their recent performances suggest that they are capable of even greater achievements.

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