T20 world cup: Cricket News & Match Updates
T20 WC: Naib’s 63 Powers Afghanistan To 182/6 Against New Zealand
The innings began at pace but not without loss. Ibrahim Zadran fell early in the sixth over, caught by Glenn Phillips off Lockie Ferguson, leaving Afghanistan 35 for 1. Moments later, Rahmanullah Gurbaz threatened to break free with a 27 off 22 balls, striking Ferguson for a four, before falling to him off the final delivery of the over. At 44/2, Afghanistan were lively but in need of consolidation.
That stability came through Gulbadin Naib, who shaped the innings with a commanding 63 off 35 balls. Naib absorbed pressure initially before launching into New Zealand’s spinners, punishing anything overpitched and clearing the ropes every time he got an opportunity. His strike rate ensured the scoring never dipped through the middle overs. Read More...