T20 World Cup: New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals as they beat Afghanistan by 8 wickets

The 40th Match of the 2021 T20 World Cup was a New Zealand vs Afghanistan encounter played on Sunday, 07 November 2021 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This encounter is from Group 2 of the Super 12 round at the ongoing 2021 T20 World Cup.

Line-Up for New Zealand vs Afghanistan – T20 World Cup

Afghanistan won the toss & chose to bat.

New Zealand are into the semi-finals as they beat Afghanistan by 8 wickets

1st Innings – Afghanistan puts 124 Runs on the board

Afghanistan was struggling as they lost three wickets early on, with Mohammad Shahzad, Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz going back to the pavilion. Afghanistan were 19/3 in 5.1 overs.

Then Ish Sodhi struck for the Black Caps as he bowled out Gulbadin Naib. Afghanistan were 56/4 (9.6 overs). However, a 59 run partnership was made between Najibullah Zadran and captain Mohammad Nabi.

But then, three wickets fell in quick succession as Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran on 73 (off 48 balls) and Karim Janat got dismissed. At that stage, Afghanistan were 121/7 (18.4 overs).

Meanwhile, in the end, James Neesham bowled an excellent last over as he concedes only two runs and picked a wicket in the final ball. Afghanistan finished their innings at 124/8 (20 overs).

2nd Innings – New Zealand’s Target is 125 Runs

The 1st wicket for the Black Caps fell in the form of Daryl Mitchell as Mujeeb Ur Rahman picked his wicket. New Zealand were 26/1 in 3.1 overs.

Meanwhile, by the end of the powerplay, New Zealand was standing at a tidy score of 45/1. However, Rashid Khan then bowled out Martin Guptill on 28 (off 23 balls). New Zealand were 57/2 (8.5 overs).

However, in the end, a 68 run partnership between Kane Williamson and Devon Conway guided New Zealand to a victory with Williamson on 40* (off 42 balls) and Conway on 36* (off 32 balls) remaining unbeaten. New Zealand finished their innings at 125/2 (18.1 overs).

As a result, New Zealand won the match by 8 Wickets. Hence, the Player of the Match was awarded to Trent Boult for his bowling spell of 3/17.