Afganisthan’s Azmatullah Omarzai had a remarkable 21st over, securing two crucial wickets in his debut over, first dismissing Rachin Ravindra and then claiming Will Young.
In the ongoing match between New Zealand and Afghanistan in Chennai on October 18, Mujeeb Ur Rahman got Afghanistan off to a strong start after they chose to field first. He removed Devon Conway, trapping him LBW after he had scored 20 runs from 18 balls. Despite the initial success, Afghanistan’s fielding showed signs of inconsistency as they dropped catches, letting Will Young and Rachin Ravindra off the hook early in the innings.
In the 21st over, Azmatullah Omarzai made a significant impact by claiming two wickets in his first over. First, Omarzai delivered a stunning ball that crashed into the stumps, dismissing the in-form batsman Rachin Ravindra for just 32 runs. Ravindra attempted to strike a length ball across the middle but failed to make contact, resulting in a crucial wicket for Azmatullah Omarzai.
In the same over, Omarzai made another breakthrough by dismissing Will Young for 54. Omarzai’s delivery, just outside off and at a good length, stayed low and nipped back slightly. Young, attempting a drive, got an inside edge, which produced a clear spike on the UltraEdge, and the wicketkeeper took a one-handed catch.
Having pulled off a stunning victory over defending champions England, Afghanistan is now eyeing a consecutive win, this time against New Zealand, in a spin-friendly Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. New Zealand, riding high on a commanding win over Bangladesh, seeks to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament.
Afghanistan has stuck with the same playing XI, while New Zealand has made a change, replacing Kane Williamson, who is sidelined with a left thumb fracture, with Young.
Last Updated on October 18, 2023
