In their second match of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, the Afghan national cricket team secured a remarkable victory over New Zealand, winning by 84 runs.

Earlier today (Saturday, June 8), the Afghan team set a challenging target of 160 runs for New Zealand, losing six wickets in the process. New Zealand, however, could only muster 75 runs before losing all their wickets.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz shone for Afghanistan, scoring an impressive 80 runs off 56 balls, earning him the title of player of the match.

In the second innings, Afghan captain Rashid Khan and fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi each took four wickets, while Mohammad Nabi contributed with two wickets.

At the post-match press conference, Rashid Khan described this victory as a significant achievement for Afghanistan. He mentioned that the strong start by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in the first innings, and Fazalhaq Farooqi in the second innings, paved the way for Afghanistan's win.

“It’s one of the greatest performances from us, especially in T20 and against New Zealand – a big team,” Rashid Khan added.

Responding to a question about the first wicket partnership between Gurbaz and Ibrahim, the captain continued, "I think energy is very important in T20, that you have to show either in batting, bowling and fielding. Energy is the biggest thing that gives all the guys the kind of motivation they need. The way the openers ran between the wickets in the last two games was exceptionally good and that is the kind of energy they have given us. They batted 12 - 15 overs, they are still in 12th or 10th over , they still run two runs and three runs and that is the kind of hard work they have done.”
 
The Afghan team is scheduled to play their third match of the ongoing World Cup against Papua New Guinea on June 14.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Afghan team is placed in Group C alongside Uganda, West Indies, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.