"You are the man" - Fans erupt as Rahmanullah Gurbaz hits impactful 60 in AUS vs AFG T20 World Cup Super 8 match
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a solid knock during the team's crucial Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Australia at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown on Sunday, June 23. Australia won the toss and chose to field first.
Gurbaz helped his team get off to an impressive start alongside opening partner Ibrahim Zadran. The two put their team in a great position, stitching together a 118-run partnership.
Gurbaz countered Australia's formidable bowling unit quite well on a tricky pitch. He notched up a fine half-century, his third of the ongoing showpiece event. The keeper-batter struck four sixes and as many boundaries during his stay at the crease, finishing with 60 runs off 49 balls.
The Afghan keeper-batter received widespread praise on social media for his batting exploits. Here are some of the top reactions:
Several fans lauded Gurbaz for stepping up under pressure yet again and making a significant impact with the bat.
"GURBAZ YOU ARE THE MAN." a fan wrote.
"Another fifty for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, He's having a great tournament here!" wrote a fan.
"Mashallah Mashallah another Half century for Rahmanullah Gurbaz on a difficult pitch. What a player he is." commented another.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz's knock ended in the 16th over. He perished to Marcus Stoinis while playing an attacking shot. He failed to get the desired connection and was caught by David Warner at deep square leg.
It is worth mentioning that Gurbaz is currently the leading run-getter in the 2024 T20 World Cup, having chalked up 238 runs from six outings at a strike rate of 141.66.
Afghanistan fail to capitalize on the wonderful start provided by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran
Rahmunullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran formed a stunning century partnership, their third of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan were 118/0 in the 16th over and looked set for a big score.
However, they started losing wickets at regular intervals, which didn't allow them to finish with a flurry. Afghanistan ultimately registered 148/6 in 20 overs. Gurbaz and Zadran were the top performers, scoring 60 and 51, respectively.
For Australia, Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers. The right-arm pacer claimed a hattrick, his second on the trot. Adam Zampa also did a fine job, picking up two wickets.