Is the T20 World Cup 2024 turning out to be a tournament of upsets? After USA defeated Pakistan to produce the first major upset of the tournament, Afghanistan on Saturday ran riot against New Zealand, bowling the Kiwis out for 75 runs to win the match by 84 runs. Former cricketers took to social media after the match to express their surprise at Afghanistan’s dominating display and New Zealand’s meek surrender.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan took a dig at New Zealand’s display, hinting that Afghanistan ‘murdered’ the Kiwis.
“How do I report a murder in Guyana?” McClenaghan wrote on his X account after the match.
Black Caps were under-prepared: Wassim Jaffer
Former India cricketer Wassim Jaffer counted the positives of Afghanistan from the match and claimed New Zealand were ‘under-prepared’.
“100+ opening stand by Gurbaz and Ibrahim, Fazalhaq destroying the top order, then Rashid running through the middle order. Top notch professional display from Afghanistan! NZ on the other hand looked extremely under prepared and paid a heavy price,” Jaffer said.
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Not an upset: Saeed Anwar
Former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar claimed Afghanistan beating New Zealand cannot be termed as an upset.
“Afghanistan has been playing the best cricket in the last few major tournaments, of course if they beat any big teams now, we can’t call it upsets, they have quality batsmen and quality bowlers, Which they have been better and better day by day. Congratulations Afghanistan to beat New Zealand well played,” Anwar said.
Harsha Bhogle was ‘overjoyed’ with Afghanistan’s performance.