Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on an impressive show for Afghanistan but his brilliance dwindled as New Zealand emerged victorious in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash held in Guyana on Saturday (June 8). The righthander succumbed to an impeccable delivery from Trent Boult following Rashid Khans strategic sacrifice at the nonstriker’s end during the climactic final over.
Gurbaz top-scored with 80 runs off 56 balls in an innings that included five sixes and as many boundaries. He also partnered Ibrahim Zadran for the opening wicket, scoring 103 runs.
Trent Boult opened the over with an excellent yorker outside off. Rashid, Afghanistan’s captain, failed to play his shot, which went past him to the wicketkeeper. Gurbaz got up and ran to the striker’s end before Rashid could respond. Devon Conway returned the ball to Boult, who ran out Rashid. The latter appeared dejected as he headed back to the pavilion.
The left-arm bowler then bowled a superb yorker to remove Gurbaz with the following delivery. Following the wicket’s fall, the two players exhibited mutual respect. The last over ended in three wickets for three runs.
Watch the footage below:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Confident in Afghanistan’s Ability to Beat New Zealand at T20 World Cup 2024
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has urged Afghanistan to deliver against New Zealand after his performance with the bat in the 2024 T20 World Cup encounter. He mentioned on the mid-match program that the wicket is difficult for the hitters.
“I think it is a good total. I am happy with the total. It wasn’t easy at the start, especially against the spinners. Now we have to field well. Our plan was to play well against Santner. It is not an easy surface. Our bowling side is good and we are happy with the total.”
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Afghanistan scored 159/6 in their allocated 20 overs. Apart from Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran hit 44 runs off 41 deliveries, including two sixes and three boundaries. Azmatullah Omarzai also contributed 22 runs from 13 overs before the middle order collapsed.