Afghanistan's batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz maintained his position as the top run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2024 after the team's first semi-final match against South Africa. He was closely followed by Travis Head, who had recently taken the top spot after a match between Australia and India. The third and fourth positions were held by Ibrahim Zadran and Nicholas Pooran respectively.
Afghanistan's first-ever semi-final appearance at the T20 World Cup was marked by a comical running mix-up between openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, with both batters hilariously running in the same direction. Despite this, Afghanistan managed to secure a total of 115 runs, which proved to be enough as Bangladesh faltered and were unable to take advantage of the misfielding from the Afghan team. The game was also interrupted multiple times by rain, adding to the tense and entertaining atmosphere.
In a must-win match against Bangladesh, Afghanistan players Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz achieved the highest partnership runs in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, surpassing Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan's record. Zadran and Gurbaz also set a new record for the most 50+ partnerships and three centuries partnerships in the tournament. This match is crucial for both teams, as the winner will secure the fourth spot in the semi-finals while the three other spots are already secured by India, England, and South Africa. Bangladesh must chase the target in just 12.1 overs to win or 12.5 overs to tie and still qualify. If Bangladesh wins by a smaller margin, Australia will secure the semi-final spot.
In a heartwarming and emotional moment, Afghanistan's qualification to the T20 World Cup semi-finals sparked tears in opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Despite leaving the field due to an injury, Gurbaz's contribution with the bat and the crucial wickets taken by player of the match Naveen-ul-Haq led Afghanistan to a thrilling victory over Bangladesh. With a never-give-up attitude and belief in their abilities, Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the semi-finals.
After a delayed release, Rediff.com's Most Valuable Player Index for the T20 World Cup 2024 is finally out, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran leading the pack. Coming as a surprise, Afghanistan has three players in the top 10 while Pakistan only has one in the top 50. India, on the other hand, boasts of two players in the top 10 with Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya putting up impressive performances. With an average par score of 140 being set, every wicket in this World Cup is valued at 14 runs, creating a thrilling and competitive atmosphere for the players.
The Afghanistan cricket team caused a major upset in Sunday's match against Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup. After a close call in last year's ODI World Cup, where Australia's Glenn Maxwell saved them from a potential defeat, the Afghan team emerged victorious this time with a solid batting performance from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Their deadly bowling led by Gulbadin Naib caused a collapse of the Australian team, securing a historic win for Afghanistan. This win has put them on the map and will be remembered as a landmark moment in Afghan cricket history.
Jasprit Bumrah's superb bowling figures of 3 wickets for 7 runs, combined with Suryakumar Yadav's explosive batting, led India to a victory against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match. Speaking after the win, teammate Axar Patel revealed that the Indian team avoids giving Bumrah too much advice on his bowling, as he already has a clear understanding of his game plan. Bumrah's exceptional form and clarity in mindset were evident in the match, as he used clever variations to pick up crucial wickets and restrict Afghanistan's run-scoring.
Afghanistan and Australia face off in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup Super Eight match in Kingstown, St. Vincent. The big moment comes in the 21st over, when Australian spinner Adam Zampa delivers a deceptive googly that catches Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz off guard. The Aussies appeal for an LBW, but a review shows that Gurbaz had actually edged the ball. Despite this close call, Afghanistan remains strong and continues to put up a fight against the formidable Australian team.
In a thrilling T20 World Cup match, Afghanistan dominated Papua New Guinea with a convincing win. Afghanistan's opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on a show, leading their team to a total of 160 runs. Despite a valiant effort from Papua New Guinea, Rashid Khan's exceptional captaincy and Noor Ahmad's bowling proved to be too much for them. This win puts Afghanistan at the top of their group and continues their impressive streak in the tournament.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan and opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered a spectacular performance as they led their team to a convincing victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. Khan praised the team effort and Gurbaz, named player of the match, claimed nothing was more special than this long-awaited victory. Despite his team's defeat, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson remained focused on the next challenge, a match against co-hosts West Indies.