Abu Dhabi, Nov 7 (Agency) New Zealand qualified for the semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 with a clinical show against Afghanistan. Their win not only knocked out their opponents of the day, but also drew the curtains on India’s campaign, who had pinned their hopes on Afghanistan coming out on top in this contest. But while New Zealand lost the toss advantage, they were thoroughly dominant with the ball, setting up a comfortable win eventually.
New Zealand’s pace attack went slightly different than usual in this day encounter at Abu Dhabi. Instead of sticking to their full lengths, which they are well known for, all their pacers stuck to a back of a length and mixed it up with some cutters from the same length. It resulted in first keeping Mohammad Shahzad quite for about 10 deliveries. He later swiped at a short one from Adam Milne to be caught behind. Hazratullah Zazai was done in by the speed off the pitch and ended up chipping Trent Boult to midwicket tamely. Tim Southee found success with the fuller one later as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was trapped plumb in front, leaving Afghanistan at 18/3.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 124/8 in 20 overs (Najibullah Zadran 73; Trent Boult 3/17); New Zealand 125/2 in 18.1 overs (Kane Williamson 40, Devon Conway 36).