Afghanistan beat New Zealand by 84 runs: T20 World Cup 2024 – updates

That’s it from Afghanistan’s 83-run win against New Zealand at the T20 World Cup.

That match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is ongoing so do switch across to the remainder of our coverage of that one.

Then we are back on Saturday with holders England against Australia before it’s the big one on Sunday between India and Pakistan in New York.

For now, though – from me, Kevin Hand – it’s goodbye.

“It’s one of the greatest performances from us, especially in T20 and against New Zealand – a big team,” the Afghanistan captain said at the post-match ceremony.

“It wasn’t an easy wicket to score on but they [the openers] took it deep. It’s a great win and a great feeling to lead this win against New Zealand.

“Anything 160-170 that we score on these wickets then we are going to have a chance with our bowlers.

“The seamers and the spinners started well – especially Nabi. If we use our skills, it will be very hard for the opponents to score runs.

“We have to give 100 percent effort and energy whether we win or lose. For me, effort is everything – I don’t care about losing or winning. The energy around the team makes me more happy.”

“Congratulations to Afghanistan. They outplayed us in all aspects of the game,” he said at the post-match ceremony.

“They scored a good total on a tough surface but it simply wasn’t good enough for us.

“You’re dealt the cards you are dealt and the boys have been working hard for this game, but we will move on quickly because the tournament is short.

“It’s about taking a step in the right direction first because that performance was not good enough. We know we have a challenge coming up in West Indies, but it’s about us being better.”

It’s two from two for Afghanistan and they hold top spot.

“We were waiting for this victory for three years – finally we beat them,” he told the ICC broadcast after top scoring with 80.

“The trust was there from the very start that if we could beat any team in this competition it was New Zealand on this wicket.

“We were very happy with the total. We were a little frustrated in the middle. I didn’t start the way I wanted but in the end, I played some good shots.

“The boys bowled really well and against a team like New Zealand.”

Both bowlers finish with figures of 4-17.

The Afghanistan spinners have been outstanding in recent years but the left-arm seamer is grabbing the headlines now.

60 all out against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains their lowest.

Henry swings again and top edges to long leg. Fazalhaq has four wickets to his name.

He’s left-arm around to Henry, who swings and misses at the first ball.

A blockhole delivery nearly accounts for Boult with an LBW, but the ball was sliding past leg.

Three dot balls finish the over.

Naveen concedes just two singles off the first three balls of the 15th over.

Noor went straight through Boult with the fifth ball and was so close to putting an end to the Kiwis’ misery.

The first of the innings for New Zealand. The right-hander swings Noor over long-on.

13.3 overs bowled.

Rashid collects Ferguson caught and bowled for 2 as the right-hander pushes back a forward defence.

13 overs bowled.

Nabi gets through again as Santner is bowled for 4. He was in no-man’s land as he failed to move his feet.

End of the 12th over.

Just a wide is registered in the over. The Kiwis have no answer to this Afghanistan attack.