Afghanistan’s skipper, Rashid Khan, delivered a masterclass in spin bowling to register a historic victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2024. Playing at Providence Stadium in Guyana, Rashid’s stellar performance helped Afghanistan claim their first-ever T20I win against the Blackcaps, defeating them by 84 runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi sets the tone
The carnage began with Fazalhaq Farooqi‘s fiery spell, which dismantled New Zealand’s top order. Bowling the first over of the innings, Farooqi dismissed Finn Allen for a golden duck, immediately putting the Blackcaps on the back foot. He continued to wreak havoc, reducing New Zealand to 28/3 inside the powerplay. Farooqi’s early breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rashid to take over and decimate the opposition.
Rashid Khan’s spin wizardry: Kane Williamson’s key wicket
Rashid’s spell was a display of tactical brilliance and skill. Coming into the attack right after the powerplay, he struck with his very first ball, dismissing New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson. Williamson, attempting a dab to third man, was caught by Gulbadin Naib at slip, leaving New Zealand reeling at 33/4 in the seventh over. Williamson managed only nine runs off 13 deliveries, highlighting the pressure exerted by Rashid’s precise bowling.
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Mark Chapman falls to Rashid’s skiddy delivery
Rashid’s dominance continued as he took two wickets in consecutive deliveries in his second over, sending back Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell. On the first ball of the ninth over, Rashid bowled a slightly shortish delivery on middle and leg. The ball skidded off the surface and kept low, catching Chapman off guard. Attempting to slog it over cow corner, Chapman missed entirely, and the ball crashed into the stumps. The ‘death rattle’ of the stumps delighted the Afghan team as they celebrated the crucial breakthrough.
Michael Bracewell trapped by Rashid’s deceptive bowling
Rashid’s next delivery was a masterclass in deception. Bowling back of a length on middle and off, the ball did not turn back in and went straight on with the arm. This delivery have been either a googly and Bracewell, unable to read it off Rashid’s hand, stayed back in his crease. He failed to bring his bat down in time and was struck on the back leg. The umpire raised his finger, but Bracewell opted for a review, hoping for a reprieve. The review, however, confirmed the on-field decision, and the red lights flashed, sealing Bracewell’s fate.
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New Zealand’s batting collapse
New Zealand’s chase of 160 runs was doomed from the start. After Farooqi’s initial breakthroughs, Rashid’s spin proved too much for the opposition batters to handle. The Afghan bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and New Zealand crumbled to 75 all out in 15.2 overs. Rashid also contributed in the field, taking a crucial catch in the deep to dismiss Glenn Phillips, further tightening Afghanistan’s grip on the match. Although he narrowly missed a hat-trick, Rashid’s spell of 4/17 in 4 overs was enough to seal New Zealand’s fate.
