T20 World Cup 2024: 'Can't Call it an Upset' - Cricket Fraternity React After Afghanistan Beat New Zealand

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Afghanistan registered a comprehensive 84-run victory over New Zealand in a Group C encounter of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Guyana on Saturday (June 8).

After Rahmanullah Gurbaz's second successive fifty powered Afghanistan to 159/7, Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed four wickets each to shoot down New Zealand for 75 All Out.

This was Afghanistan's second win in as many games in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 as they went top of their group with an impressive Net Run Rate and pushed themselves well within reach of a Super 8 berth.

Many regard Afghanistan's latest win over New Zealand as an upset, but there were few fans and former cricketers who argued that this victory can't be in the same bracket as USA's win over Pakistan or Canada's victory over Ireland.

Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Anwar took to social media after the match to congratulate Afghanistan on the win and also explained why the win shouldn't be called 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," Anwar posted on X.

"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."

Another X user also echoed the same and posted: "People shouldn't club Afghanistan's win over New Zealand with the USA and Canada's recent wins. Afghanistan one isn't much of a surprise."

Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, on the other hand, highlighted how Afghanistan have developed from a bowling side to an all-round team with the batters also stepping up in recent games.

"How good have Afghanistan been! Overjoyed for them. They were a bowling side early on, still one of the better ones in this tournament, but now their batters are giving them the runs. They are doing many things right," Bhogle posted on X.

Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also was full of praise for Afghanistan's all-round briliance, but also pointed out how New Zealand entered the tournament as the most under-prepared sides.

"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 posted on X.

While many called the victory an upset, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan simply said it was one of their best T20 performances as they registered their first win over New Zealand in the format.

"One of our best T20 performances from us, especially against a big team like New Zealand. The wicket wasn't easy to score, Gurbaz and Ibrahim batted really well, it was a superb performance with the bat, ball and the field," Rashid said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"I'm really happy to be leading this team. If we use our skills, it's tough to chase down 160 against us. Win or lose, we just need to give our 100%, if we don't give it, we'll miss something. I don't worry about the result as long as we put in the effort."