Sports Reporter :
New Zealand reached the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup after defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets in their last Group-2 match at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. By virtue of New Zealand’s victory, title aspirants India were out of the title race.
Chasing Afghanistan’s fighting total of 124 for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, New Zealand coasted home making 125 for the loss of two wickets with 11 balls to spare.
New Zealand lost their two wickets for 57 runs.
Then, Kane Williamson and Devon Conway guided their team to overhaul the winning target. They put on together 68 runs for the unbroken third wicket partnership.
Kane Willamson remained unbeaten with 40 runs. His 42-ball innings had three fours.
Devon Conway remained unbeaten with 36 runs. His 32-ball knock saw three fours.
Opener Martin Guptill made 28 from 23 balls featuring four fours.
Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket each for 27 and 31 runs respectively.
Earlier, Afghanistan lost their early three wickets for 19 runs.
Second-down Gulbadin Naib and third-down Najibullah Zadran repaired the damage adding together 37 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Gulbadin Naib (15) was bowled out by Ish Sodhi when Afghanistan’s score was 56 for the loss of four wickets.
After Naib’s dismissal, Zadran and Mohammad Nabi built another notable partnership. They put on together 59 runs in the fifth wicket stand before Mohammad Nabi (14) was caught & bowled by Tim Southee when Afghanistan’s total was 119 for the loss of five wickets.
After Mohammad Nabi’s departure, Zadran could stay at the crease for a short period as he was caught at the long-off by James Neesham off Trent Boult when Afghanistan’s
score was 119 for the loss of six wickets.
Trent Boult grabbed three wickets at the cost of 17 runs, while Tim Southee bagged two wickets in the space of 24 runs. Boult was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi and James Neesham took one wicket apiece.
