Cricket

Afghanistan's stunning 84-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup was a testament to their unwavering belief in their own abilities. Captain Rashid Khan, who played a pivotal role with a masterful bowling performance of 4/17, emphasized the importance of self-confidence and a focus on their own skills rather than dwelling on their opponents' strengths."Now, we need to beat the teams with our own skills rather than think about the opposition and that's the only thing I have been telling the guys like just make sure we look into our skills," Rashid said after the match.For Rashid, effort is paramount, as he believes that if a team is good enough, results will naturally follow. "It doesn't matter whoever we play, it's more about how good you are, how good you're going to play and what type of energy you are coming with into the ground and that for me is very important. I don't care about the result a lot to be honest. I care more about the effort we put, that's something which gives me lots of pleasure."Afghanistan's victory was particularly significant as it marked their first T20 World Cup win over a top-tier nation. In the past, they had stunned England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup, but their T20 World Cup record had been less impressive."We haven't had those victories in T20 World Cups. We had in ODI, but in T20, I feel like this was one of the best performance from the guys," said Rashid.Afghanistan's victory was also a testament to the team's resilience and determination. They had lost their opening match of the tournament to England, but they bounced back with a convincing win over Namibia. Against New Zealand, they faced a formidable opponent, but they never lost their belief."We have a very good team, we have a very good bowling attack, we have a very good batting lineup, and we have a very good fielding side," said Rashid. "We just need to believe in ourselves and we need to play our best cricket."Afghanistan's victory has sent shockwaves through the T20 World Cup and has established them as a team to watch. They will face India in their next match, and a win against the tournament favorites would further cement their status as a rising force in world cricket.

Afghanistan's stunning 84-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Group C clash in Guyana marked a historic moment for the Afghan team, as it was their first-ever win against the Kiwis in T20 internationals.Skipper Rashid Khan and left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi played pivotal roles in Afghanistan's triumph, each claiming four wickets. Farooqi's impressive spell of 4 for 17 included the crucial wickets of New Zealand's top-order batters, while Khan's 4 for 17 further dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup.Chasing a target of 160, New Zealand's batting faltered, with only Glen Phillips (18) and Matt Henry (12) managing to reach double figures. The entire team was bowled out for a mere 75 runs in just 15.2 overs, a testament to the dominance of Afghanistan's bowling attack.Earlier, Afghanistan's innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a blistering knock of 80 runs off 56 balls. Gurbaz's innings, which included five sixes and as many fours, laid the foundation for Afghanistan's competitive total of 159 for 6. He shared a crucial 103-run partnership with Ibrahim Zadran (44 off 41 balls) for the first wicket.Despite Gurbaz's heroics, Afghanistan's innings lost momentum towards the end, with Trent Boult (2/22) and Matt Henry (2/37) restricting their scoring. However, the Afghan bowlers' exceptional performance ultimately sealed the victory.

New Zealand will face a stern test in their T20 World Cup opener against a formidable Afghanistan side on June 8 in Guyana. The Black Caps find themselves in a challenging Group C alongside two-time champions West Indies and Afghanistan, who are brimming with IPL stars.Despite their recent rain-affected training sessions, New Zealand remains confident in their adaptability, a trait that has served them well in ICC events. Led by Kane Williamson, they boast a wealth of experience and youthful exuberance in the likes of Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra.On paper, New Zealand appears well-equipped with depth in batting and variety in bowling. Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee form a formidable pace attack, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has an impressive record in the Caribbean.Afghanistan, on the other hand, enter the tournament on the back of a morale-boosting victory over Uganda. Their opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide a solid start, while pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, and skipper Rashid Khan are known for their exceptional skills.However, Afghanistan's batting depth remains a concern, as none of the other batters managed to make a significant contribution against Uganda. Against a formidable Kiwi side, they will need to improve their consistency.In a separate Group D encounter, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will renew their rivalry in Dallas. Sri Lanka, who suffered a crushing defeat to South Africa in their opener, will be eager to bounce back. Their batters need to show better shot selection and match awareness, while the bowlers will look to exploit Bangladesh's recent struggles in the shortest format.Bangladesh, on the other hand, have had a disappointing year in T20Is, losing series to Sri Lanka and USA. They were also handed a comprehensive defeat by India in a warm-up game. Their hopes rest on the shoulders of Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Mustafizur Rahman.

New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign kicks off against Afghanistan on Friday, and captain Kane Williamson is wary of their formidable bowling attack. Afghanistan boasts one of the tournament's strongest bowling units, according to Williamson, who has witnessed their growth firsthand."They have a very skillful team, one of the better bowling attacks in the competition," Williamson said. "We've seen their involvement in franchise competitions, and they're only getting better with more top-level cricket."Williamson highlighted Afghanistan's star legspinner Rashid Khan, who he has played alongside in the IPL. "Rashid is a world-class player, but they have other threats throughout their side," Williamson said.Despite playing only two matches in the IPL this season, Williamson is confident in his team's preparation for the World Cup. "I've been involved in a few IPLs now and sometimes play more, sometimes less," Williamson said. "But I'm trying to help the team as much as I can and focus on my fitness and other aspects of my game."Williamson also praised the expansion of the World Cup to 20 teams. "It's a fantastic thing," he said. "That sort of exposure is only beneficial for all teams, and anything can happen in tournament time."

New Zealand's T20 World Cup campaign has faced a "chaotic start" due to logistical challenges, according to all-rounder Mitchell Santner. The team opted for extra training sessions instead of an official warm-up game, with players arriving in three batches because of IPL commitments.Despite the initial disruptions, Santner expressed confidence that New Zealand can "really settle in" now that they have moved to Guyana, where they will play their opening group match against Afghanistan on June 8."It's been a chaotic kind of start with people coming in at different times," Santner said. "But we are here now in Guyana, a good week or so to get some good prep done for our first game."The World Cup is being played across nine venues in the Caribbean and the USA, with New Zealand scheduled to play one of their Group C matches in Guyana and three in Tarouba. Santner acknowledged that there is a "little bit of the unknown" about the competition, especially with opponents such as Uganda and Papua New Guinea."It's obviously good to watch [the first few games]. I think that's going to be a common theme in the World Cup, you know, different places will play very differently," he said. "We obviously know what West Indies are capable of doing, but we are not really sure of the other guys."New Zealand is relying on their experienced players, including Kane Williamson, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, and Ish Sodhi, who have played in the Caribbean Premier League, to provide insights into the conditions."As a squad, we have guys who played a lot," Santner said. "And then there are few guys who know these conditions. Glenn has played a lot of CPL and a few other boys as well. Channelling that kind of information is going to be big to hit the ground running."

The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to witness a thrilling battle in Group C, where two-time champions West Indies will face off against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.West Indies, the co-hosts, will be aiming for a record third T20 World Cup title. Led by Rovman Powell, they boast a formidable squad with all-rounders and big-hitters like Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shamar Joseph. Their campaign begins with matches against lower-ranked PNG and Uganda, giving them a strong start.New Zealand, under the leadership of Kane Williamson, has a well-rounded team with a blend of experience and youth. They have a strong pace attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and a versatile spin department featuring Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi. New Zealand will face Afghanistan in their opening match.Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, is a formidable opponent. They have a strong spin department led by Rashid Khan, who returns after an injury layoff. Afghanistan will be looking to pull off big wins and challenge the top teams in the group.Uganda, making their T20 World Cup debut, has an impressive record leading up to the tournament. Led by Brian Masaba, they have a squad with plenty of experience and will be aiming to spring a surprise.Papua New Guinea, also making their second T20 World Cup appearance, has a versatile unit with all-rounders. Led by Assad Vala, they will be looking to test the bigger teams in the group.The group stage promises intense competition, with each team aiming to make it to the second round. West Indies and New Zealand are the favorites, but Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea will be determined to make their mark.

Group C Preview: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New GuineaThe 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to commence in the West Indies and USA on June 2, and Group C promises to be a thrilling contest. Let's take a closer look at the teams involved:West Indies:The co-host enters the tournament in excellent form, having won four of its last five T20I series. With a star-studded lineup featuring Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies are a formidable force. However, they will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder due to injury.New Zealand:The Kiwis rely on their experienced core in their quest for a maiden T20 World Cup title. Kane Williamson leads the side for the fourth time, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Boult are in top form after the IPL 2024 campaign.Afghanistan:Afghanistan's rise from minnow to contender was evident in the 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup. Their T20 style suits them well, with Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi providing explosive batting and a well-rounded spin attack. Several Afghan players gained valuable experience in the IPL 2024.Uganda:Uganda makes its World Cup debut, having overcome Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. An upset win over one of the favorites would be a major boost for cricket in Uganda. Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the oldest player in the tournament.Papua New Guinea:PNG had a relatively easy path to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines. Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Tony Ura is their most successful batter with 1618 runs in 56 T20Is.Key Players:* Andre Russell (West Indies): The all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurgence and is a crucial part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning team.* Trent Boult (New Zealand): The left-arm pacer's dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand.* Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): The pacer finished as LSG's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 wickets.* Frank Nsubuga (Uganda): The veteran all-rounder brings experience and leadership to the Ugandan team.* Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea): The nation's most successful batter will be crucial for PNG's hopes of making an impact.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi played pivotal roles in securing a thrilling nine-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final Twenty20 International (T20I) in Lahore on Saturday.Azam's solid half-century (69 off 44 balls) and Fakhar Zaman's contribution (43 off 33 balls) propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 178 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Afridi then showcased his exceptional bowling skills, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, restricting New Zealand to 169 all out in 19.2 overs.The match remained tense until the final over, with New Zealand's Josh Clarkson threatening an upset with his unbeaten 38. However, two crucial run-outs in Mohammad Amir's over sealed the victory for Pakistan, much to the delight of the packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.The series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, served as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June. While Pakistan would have preferred a series win, they gained valuable insights into their squad's strength and areas for improvement.Afridi's impressive performance continued in the final match, as he dismissed Tom Blundell for four in his first over, marking his 15th wicket in his opening over of a T20I and his 50th overall in T20 matches. Tim Seifert provided some resistance for New Zealand with a quickfire 33-ball 52, but Pakistan's spinners, Usama Mir and Shadab Khan, played a crucial role in derailing the visitors' chase.Azam expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their efforts to test different combinations and assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup. New Zealand's stand-in captain, Micheal Bracewell, acknowledged the competitive nature of the series and expressed his team's satisfaction with the draw.

New Zealand Opt to Bowl First in Series-Deciding T20I Against PakistanIn a crucial encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand have chosen to field first after winning the toss against Pakistan. The visitors, aiming to secure a 3-1 series victory, have made three changes to their lineup, two of which are enforced.Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, and Jacob Duffy have been replaced by Zakary Foulkes, Tim Seifert, and Cole McConchie. Robinson suffered a groin injury, while Foxcroft was ruled out due to a back complaint.Pakistan, seeking to level the series, have recalled Shaheen Afridi to their side, with Zaman Khan making way. This is the final T20I Pakistan will play at home before embarking on tours to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.Pakistan Team:1. Babar Azam (capt)2. Saim Ayub3. Fakhar Zaman4. Usman Khan (wk)5. Iftikhar Ahmed6. Shadab Khan7. Imad Wasim8. Shaheen Afridi9. Usama Mir10. Abbas Afridi11. Mohammad AmirNew Zealand Team:1. Tom Blundell2. Tim Seifert (wk)3. Mark Chapman4. Cole McConchie5. Michael Bracewell (capt)6. Josh Clarkson7. James Neesham8. Zakary Foulkes9. Ish Sodhi10. Ben Sears11. Will O'RourkeWith the series on the line, both teams will be eager to put in a strong performance. New Zealand will look to their experienced bowlers, including Ish Sodhi and Ben Sears, to restrict Pakistan's batting lineup. Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on their explosive batsmen, led by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, to post a competitive total.The match promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams determined to end the series on a high note.