New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live Score, T20 World Cup 2024: Trent Boult cleans up Gurbaz

New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live Score, T20 World Cup 2024: Trent Boult cleans up Gurbaz

Keywords: New Zealand, Afghanistan, T20 World Cup, Trent Boult, Gurbaz

Wellington: New Zealand pacer Trent Boult delivered a decisive blow to Afghanistan’s hopes in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 as he dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a well-made 53.

Afghanistan were cruising at 156/4 in the 17th over when Boult produced a magical delivery that swung in and trapped Gurbaz in front of the stumps. The right-hander, who had struck four boundaries and three sixes during his innings, was left shell-shocked as he made his way back to the pavilion.

Boult’s wicket was a major setback for Afghanistan, who were looking to post a challenging total against New Zealand. The Black Caps had won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Afghanistan got off to a solid start as Gurbaz and Usman Ghani put on 65 runs for the first wicket. However, Ghani was dismissed for 27 by Michael Bracewell, and Boult then removed Ibrahim Zadran for 16 to leave Afghanistan struggling at 78/3.

But Gurbaz kept the scoreboard ticking over with some aggressive batting and found an able ally in Najibullah Zadran (38). The duo added 78 runs for the fourth wicket before Boult’s intervention.

With Gurbaz’s departure, Afghanistan’s innings lost momentum. Hashmatullah Shahidi made a quickfire 25 not out, but it was not enough to propel his team to a big score.

New Zealand, led by Boult’s three wickets, restricted Afghanistan to 186/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The Black Caps will now look to chase down the target and secure their first win in the tournament.