Sport

Afghanistan shock New Zealand by 84 runs for first win in history

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2024

Rampant Afghanistan mauled a lethargic New Zealand by 84 runs to grab top spot in Group C at the T20 World Cup with a shock win at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday AEST.

Set a challenging 160 for victory, the Black Caps crashed to 75 all out off 15.2 overs to suffer their first defeat ever to Afghanistan in T20Is.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the way for the Afghans with a top score of 80 off 56 balls, which included five sixes, posting 103 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (44) on the way to 6-159.

Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi then followed his five-wicket opening match demolition of Uganda with the first three wickets of the New Zealand innings before coming back to claim a fourth, sealing the win.

Captain and formidable leg-spinner Rashid Khan shared the bowling honours with a haul of 4-17, including opposite number Kane Williamson with the first ball of his spell.

New Zealand’s capitulation and obvious rustiness leaves the 2021 finalists with a tough challenge ahead, starting against co-hosts West Indies in Trinidad next Wednesday.

“Congrats to Afghanistan, they simply outplayed up in all facets,” Williamson said after the defeat.

“The skills they had made it difficult for us.”

Afghanistan will next face Papua New Guinea at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday, with the first ball scheduled for 10.30am AEST.

(AFP)

Related Topics:#َAfghanistan #T20WorldCup Cricket featured NewZealand

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Afghanistan to host West Indies for three-match T20I series in January 2026

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ariana News

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Friday that it will host West Indies for a three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22.

The series will begin on January 19, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for January 21 and 22. It is expected to provide both teams with valuable match practice and will play a key role in their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled less than a month after the series.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said: “Competing against West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance preparations for the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka. We have been closely monitoring the team’s preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup.”

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe added: “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparations. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, while also giving our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”

Series Schedule:

Sport

Afghanistan crush Nepal, South Africa in Hong Kong Sixes

Published

8 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s national cricket team continued their dominant form in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament on Friday, recording back-to-back victories over Nepal and South Africa.

Against South Africa, Afghanistan posted 148 runs in six overs. Captain Gulbadin Naib starred with 50 runs off just 12 balls, while Karim Janat added 46 from 11 deliveries. South Africa could muster only 99 runs in response, giving Afghanistan a commanding 49-run win.

Earlier on Friday, Afghanistan had defeated Nepal by 17 runs, marking a perfect start to the tournament.

The Hong Kong Sixes features twelve teams, each with six players, competing in a fast-paced, six-over format.