"Farooqi has unlocked a whole new level here" - Fans hail Afghanistan pacer for game-changing opening spell vs New Zealand in 2024 T20 World Cup
Afghanistan left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi continued his sensational 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the New Zealand clash at Guyana on June 7. Coming off an incredible performance of 5/9 in Afghanistan's win against Uganda in the tournament opener, the 23-year-old was at it again in the powerplay.
After the Afghans posted a formidable 159/6 in 20 overs, Farooqi tore apart the Kiwi top order. He dismissed Finn Allen, Devon Conway, and Daryll Mitchell in his first spell of three overs to leave New Zealand in disarray at 28/3 in the fifth over.
The left-arm pacer currently has figures of 3/17 in three overs, taking his overall tally in the 2024 T20 World Cup to eight in seven overs. Farooqi was the Player of the Match in Afghanistan's massive 125-run win over Uganda.
His continued impressive showing had fans on X praising the youngster with the following reactions:
Farooqi was further hailed by fans, with one saying:
"Fazalhaq Farooqi is making NZ look foolish."
"Been on the Fazalhaq Farooqi train for a while now, absolute superstar. Afghanistan could actually win this tournament with this bowling line up," a fan tweeted.
"Fazalhaq Farooqi..guy got some serious pace..that's fab bowling!!" a fan said.
Fazalhaq Farooqi's burst has Afghanistan on course for memorable victory
Fazalhaq Farooqi's opening spell created a terminal dent in the New Zealand batting lineup as they succumbed to a dismal 33/3 after the powerplay. Thanks to a brilliant 56-ball 80 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan posted a competitive 159/6 in 20 overs.
In response, New Zealand were shaken by Farooqi's spell and continued losing wickets to fall to a woeful 43/4 in eight overs. Skipper Rashid Khan asserted Afghanistan's dominance further with a double-wicket ninth over to leave the Kiwis in disarray at 49/6 in nine overs.
He removed opposite skipper Kane Williamson off the first delivery of his spell before the two-wicket second over.
Farooqi and Rashid's heroics have Afghanistan on the brink of a memorable win with New Zealand struggling at 49/6 at the time of writing, requiring another 111 of 11 overs.
Glenn Phillips is their last ray of hope, batting on a run-a-ball 16 with all-rounder Mitchell Santner recently joining him at the wicket.