"This isn't choking. This isn't bottling. This is even worse" - Social media reacts to New Zealand's 75 all out against Afghanistan in 2024 T20 WC
New Zealand have begun their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on the worst possible note as they were bowled out for just 75 runs against Afghanistan. The Blackcaps fell 84 runs short of the 160-run target at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on June 7.
Led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 80 runs off 56 deliveries, the Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan reached a competitive score. However, at no point were New Zealand in the run chase as Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan picked up a total of eight wickets.
The left-arm seamer dismissed Finn Allen for a golden duck to set the tempo for Afghanistan. He followed up with the wickets of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell in the powerplay itself, and Rashid Khan took the baton over in the middle overs. The skipper led from the front to catalyze the collapse and New Zealand were bowled out well before the final over.
Only two batters managed to record double figures as the side marked one of their worst displays in ICC events.
Fans were stunned by New Zealand's shocking performance. Here are some of their reactions on X (formerly Twitter):
"New Zealand should know what it feels like after being pushed back by a left-arm pacer early in the innings," one fan tweeted.
"This isn't choking. This isn't bottling. This is even worse from New Zealand," one tweet read.
"People in New Zealand must be wondering what they just witnessed," another tweet read.
"They simply outplayed us in all facets" - New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson addressed the defeat that severely hampers their chance of progressing into the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The captain admitted that they were outplayed, and cited match practice and poor fielding as key factors behind the loss.
"First congrats to Afghanistan, they simply outplayed us in all facets. To get to that total on that surface, they kept their wickets and made a good score. We'll have to put this behind quickly and get back to our next challenge. The boys did work hard in preparations for this match, but it was hard and we need to move on quickly. Games come thick and fast in this tournament. 160 was a tough chase, but we needed partnerships, the skills they had made it difficult for us," Williamson said during the post-match presentation.
New Zealand are scheduled to take on the West Indies in a crucial encounter on Wednesday, June 12 in Trinidad.