New Zealand celebrate
©ICC/ T20 World Cup
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ICC T20 WC: New Zealand end Afghanistan campaign, dash India's hopes
New Zealand comprehensively beat Afghanistan by eight wickets to book their place in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan after opting to bat posted a modest 124 for eight in their 20 overs and in their response New Zealand chased down the target in just 18.1 overs to finish on 125 for two.
Afghanistan started off badly losing their first three wickets for 19 runs There was a brief partnership between Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran. But it did not grow enough for New Zealand to feel troubled. Zadran carried the bat along to make 73 off just 48 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. But none of the other batsmen performed to the extent they were expected to. Afghanistan finished on a sub-par 124 for eight in their 20 overs. For New Zealand the best bowlers for Trent Boult (3-17) and Tim Southee (2-24).
Adam Milne speaks after New Zealand beat the Afghanistan by eight wickets #T20WorldCup
© ICC / T20 World Cup
In their response, New Zealand lost a couple of early wickets in their chase. But they always kept up with the asking rate which was never a pain point. Martin Guptill made 28 off 23 balls and Daryl Mitchell made 17 off 12 balls. New Zealand were at 57 for two in 8.5 overs when captain Kane Williamson allied with Devon Conway. A missed opportunity came Afghanistan's way as they failed to appeal or review for a caught behind off Conway's bat. In the end Conway and Williamson added 68 runs for the third wicket. Their alliance carried New Zealand through to 125 for two in 18.1 overs. Williamson finished unbeaten on 40 off 42 balls, while Conway remained unbeaten on 36 off 42 balls.
With this win New Zealand went through to the semi-finals. New Zealand's ended Afghanistan's campaign and also knocked out India.
Match Summary
Afghanistan: 124-8 (20)
Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Mohammad Shahzad-2.2 ov), 2-12 (Hazratullah Zazai-3.1 ov), 3-19 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz-5.1 ov), 4-56 (Gulbadin Naib-9.6 ov), 5-115 (Mohammad Nabi-17.6 ov), 6-119 (Najibullah Zadran-18.2 ov), 7-121 (Karim Janat-18.4 ov), 8-124 (Rashid Khan-19.6 ov)
New Zealand: 125-2 (18.1)
Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Daryl Mitchell-3.1 ov), 2-57 (Martin Guptill-8.5 ov)
Result: New Zealand won by eight wickets
Playing XI
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wicket-keeper), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (captain), Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (captain), Devon Conway (wicket-keeper), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Match Details
Toss: Afghanistan, elected to bat
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Start time: 1400 hrs UAE time
Match officials: Kumar Dharmasena, Langton Rusere (On-field Umpires); Richard Illingworth (TV Umpire); Aleem Dar (Reserve Umpire); Javagal Srinath (Match-referee)
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