Naib muscles Afghanistan to 182 against New Zealand

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan’s national cricket team produced a brilliant batting display to post a challenging total of 182/6 against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup clash on Sunday in Chennai, India.

Gulbadin Naib, batting at number three for the first time in two years, smashed 63 off 35 balls, shifting the momentum in Afghanistan’s favor. His aggressive innings provided a strong platform on the Chepauk pitch, which offered both bounce and some assistance to slower bowlers, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Alongside Naib, Rasooli and Omarzai played important cameos that helped lift the total.

Afghanistan’s 182/6 is now the highest total scored against New Zealand in the men’s T20 World Cup. The previous record was 180/9, set by India in 2007.

Among New Zealand’s bowlers, Henry, Duffy, Ferguson, and Neesham each bowled an over, but captain Mitchell Santner handed the 18th over to Rachin Ravindra in an attempt to shake things up. Ravindra managed to dismiss Naib but conceded 14 runs in the over, with Omarzai hitting a powerful shot over long-off to take Afghanistan past 160.

The match continues, with both teams looking to capitalize on this high-scoring contest in the opening stages of the T20 World Cup.

sa