New Zealand is indeed the 2nd team from Group 2 to advance for the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-finals, following Pakistan. Kane Williamson and his teammates thrashed Afghanistan by 8 wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 07 November. Their success means that India, led by Virat Kohli, will not be able to accelerate furthermore into the T20 World Cup 2021. Here is New Zealand vs Afghanistan Highlights.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Highlights
Afghanistan’s choice to bat first failed to a certain extent. They struck 23 runs in the first 6 overs but lost their starters – Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai – as well as Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gulbadin Naib made 15 and appeared to have a good understanding of the situation until Ish Sodhi picked him. The Afghans mounted a good recovery from 56 for 4 in ten overs.
Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi put up 59 off 48 balls for the 5th wicket. Nabi struggled during the stay, scoring 14 runs with a strike rate of 70 before being caught by Tim Southee. On the other side, Najibullah made the room and struck a fifty off 33 balls. The lefty went on to hit a 48-ball 73 that included 6 fours and 3 sixes. The Afghans scored 124 as a result of his effort.
Booking a place in the @T20WorldCup finals! Kane Williamson 40* and Devon Conway 36* finish things off against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. | https://t.co/5hlORtSdCL #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/rJjAR4ZCfX
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 7, 2021
Your @ICC Player of the Match – Trent Boult! 3-17 from his four setting the tone with ball in Abu Dhabi. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ElWmdwi9Kh
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 7, 2021
New Zealand got off to a good start in their run-chase, scoring 45 runs on the powerplay while not allowing the necessary rate to increase. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who recovered from an injury layoff, called for the removal of Daryl Mitchell after he smacked 3 fours. Mitchell’s beginning partner, Martin Guptill, appeared good as well, scoring 28 from 23. Rashid Khan castled him in order to significantly reduce his stay very short.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway took over from there, preventing the Afghans from regaining a footing in the game. The pair put on an unbroken stand of 68 runs for the 3rd wicket in 9.2 overs. Williamson used all of his expertise to stay not out on 40 off 42 balls with 3 fours. Conway also seemed in good form, scoring an undefeated 32-ball 36.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2021: 3 Reasons Why India Failed To Qualify For The Semis?
