W 3 1 1 4 W—this is how the sixth over against Afghanistan looks like in Chennai for New Zealand, thanks to their "freelance" pacer Lockie Ferguson. The over started with the wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, but off a poor short and wide 136 km/s delivery, which the batter cut straight to the point. However, the treat to the eye came in the final ball of the over when Ferguson broke the stumps of Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a deceptive leg cutter.
It was a clever change of pace after consecutive faster deliveries. It was the extra bounce and pace of the Chennai pitch that got Zadran, and the batters took a defensive approach. Gurbaz took a single on the third ball and returned for the final ball, when Santer bowled a 122 km/s on a fullish length angling outside off. Gurbaz tried to drive it through the cover only to manage an inside edge chipping off the leg stump.
Watch the video here:
Read also: Lowest Totals in ICC T20 World Cup History
Gulbadin Naib in rescue, scores 4th T20I fifty
Gulbadin Naib is currently on a rescue mission for Afghanistan, registering his fourth half-century in T20 internationals during the Group D clash against New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on February 8. Walking in after Afghanistan were reduced to 44 for 2 inside the Powerplay, Naib steadied the innings with a counter-attacking knock on a challenging surface.
Naib is now on 56 off 32 balls, striking three fours and three sixes at a strike rate over 170. His fifty came in just 29 deliveries, underlining his intent after early setbacks caused by Lockie Ferguson, who removed both openers. The right-hander targeted New Zealand’s change bowlers effectively, scoring freely against James Neesham and Glenn Phillips, who conceded 33 runs in three overs and 12 runs in one over, respectively.
Naib also is sharing a crucial 79-run stand for the third wicket with Sediqullah Atal, who has scored 29 off 24 balls, helping Afghanistan cross the 100-run mark in 12.4 overs. Afghanistan is currently a few runs away from 150, having Dawrish Rasooli help partner with him.
-
World's only underwater roundabout is inside 6.9-mile tunnel between UK and Iceland
-
Modasa Celebrates Khilan Patel's ICC U-19 World Cup Victory with Grand Welcome
-
I asked experts what you should never put in the dishwasher - they named 7 items
-
New EPFO app to enable EPF withdrawals via UPI from April
-
Lindsey Vonn's medical miracle after her body was 'broken beyond repair'
