Afghanistan thrash sorry New Zealand

Afghanistan crushed New Zealand by 84 runs in Guyana to make it two wins from two at the T20 World Cup.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with a blistering 80 from 56 deliveries to help Afghanistan reach 159-6, with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran adding 44 from 41.

In reply, 2021 runners-up New Zealand were skittled out for just 75 in 15.2 overs to fall to their first defeat to Afghanistan in a T20 international.

"It is one of the greatest performances for us in T20s against a big team like New Zealand," said Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan. "It's a great feeling to be leading this side."

Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who claimed five wickets against Uganda on Monday, took 4-17 from just 3.2 overs, with skipper Rashid also taking 4-17.

Just two New Zealand players reached double figures, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 18.

The win moves Afghanistan top of Group C with New Zealand bottom, below Papua New Guinea on net run-rate.

Source: BBC