"Gurbaz's rise to the arena of world cricket has been phenomenal" - Fans hail Afghanistan opener for sublime knock vs NZ in 2024 T20 World Cup
Afghanistan wicket-keeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a scintillating batting display in the crucial 2024 T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand in Guyana on June 7. Batting first, the 22-year-old took his time and was 26 off 30 deliveries at one stage.
However, after assessing the conditions, Gurbaz went hammer and tongs, scoring 54 from his next 26 to finish with a 56-ball 80. The knock made it back-to-back half-centuries to begin the T20 World Cup campaign for the opening batter.
Gurbaz shared a solid 103-run partnership with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran to lay the foundation for the Afghans. They eventually finished on a competitive 159/6 in 20 overs against a formidable Kiwi attack.
The swashbuckling batter is now the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 156 runs at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 154.46.
Fans on X praised Gurbaz for a second consecutive outstanding knock with the following reactions:
The praises continued for Gurbaz, with one fan saying:
"The Backbone of Afghanistan batting, incredible consistency in the big stage."
"Gurbaz is really a a solid batter. Mostly performs when team needs him unlike Rohit," tweeted a fan.
"Rahmanullah Gurbaz that’s a top innings in the context of the game," a fan said.
"Our plan was to play well against Santner" - Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz admitted that Afghanistan planned to navigate the threat of star left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner during their innings. Santner finished with economical figures of 0/24 in 4 overs.
However, not giving away wickets to the wily spinner helped Afghanistan produce a final launch, scoring 45 from the final four overs.
During the mid-innings break, Gurbaz told the broadcasters:
"I think it is a good total. I am happy with the total. It wasn’t easy at the start especially against the spinners. Now we have to field well. Our plan was to play well against Santner. It is not an easy surface. Our bowling side is good and we are happy with the total."
Afghanistan won their tournament opener against Uganda by a massive 125 runs and will look to tighten their grip on Group C with a victory against the Black Caps.
The opening game hero Fazalhaq Farooqi has already begun their defense well, picking up both Kiwi openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway in his first two overs. New Zealand are 22/2 in three overs as of writing, with skipper Kane Williamson and all-rounder Daryll Mitchell at the crease.