The pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult completely stole the show as they finished the first innings with two and three wickets respectively.
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A disciplined and well-executed bowling display by New Zealand on Sunday saw them restrict Afghanistan to 124-8 in 20 overs in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. There was a time when Afghanistan was in big trouble at 56-4, but an incredible knock by Najibullah Zadran saw them reach a respectable score. However, it is unlikely that the Kiwis will fail to reach the target. The pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult completely stole the show in the death overs as they finished the first innings with two and three wickets respectively. This match is vital in deciding the final semi-finalist of the competition, as the Kiwis will have to be wary of how India perform on Monday against Namibia should they fail to win against Afghanistan.
Zadran played an absolutely fantastic knock, being the lone fighter in what was an otherwise dismal batting display. The batter scored a monumental 73 runs off just 48 deliveries in an innings that included seven boundaries and three maximums. No one apart from him could make a meaningful contribution with the bat on the day. Gulbadin Naib scored 15 runs off 18 balls and skipper Mohammad Nabi made 14 off 20 deliveries.
Respect, however, must be given to the New Zealand bowling attack. Southee and Boult were in their best form again as they displayed exceptional fast bowling in death overs. Southee bagged two wickets in four overs and conceded only 24 runs. Boult was even more impressive, picking up three wickets in four overs for just 17 runs. Boult bagged the crucial wicket of Zadran.
Adam Milne, James Neesham, and Ish Sodhi picked one wicket each for the Black Caps on the day as well. The Kiwis will have to make 125 runs in 20 overs to confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
