Skipper rashid khan

T20 World Cup: Afghanistan produced a brisk and well-balanced batting effort to post 182/6 in their 20 overs against New Zealand in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, riding on a decisive middle-overs assault led by Gulbadin Naib. After facing early pressure, Afghanistan recovered smartly through calculated aggression and strong finishing to post a competitive total on a surface that rewarded shots but demanded intent.

The innings began at pace but not without loss. Ibrahim Zadran fell early in the sixth over, caught by Glenn Phillips off Lockie Ferguson, leaving Afghanistan 35 for 1. Moments later, Rahmanullah Gurbaz threatened to break free with a 27 off 22 balls, striking Ferguson for a four, before falling to him off the final delivery of the over. At 44/2, Afghanistan were lively but in need of consolidation.

That stability came through Gulbadin Naib, who shaped the innings with a commanding 63 off 35 balls. Naib absorbed pressure initially before launching into New Zealand’s spinners, punishing anything overpitched and clearing the ropes every time he got an opportunity. His strike rate ensured the scoring never dipped through the middle overs.