T20 World Cup results: Afghanistan thrash sorry New Zealand

Afghanistan crushed New Zealand by 84 runs in Guyana to make it two wins from two at the T20 World Cup.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with a blistering 80 from 56 deliveries to help Afghanistan reach 159-6, with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran adding 44 from 41.

In reply, 2021 runners-up New Zealand were skittled out for just 75 in 15.2 overs to fall to their first defeat to Afghanistan in a T20 international.

“It is one of the greatest performances for us in T20s against a big team like New Zealand,” said Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan. “It’s a great feeling to be leading this side.”

Left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who claimed five wickets against Uganda on Monday, took 4-17 from just 3.2 overs, with skipper Rashid also taking 4-17.

Just two New Zealand players reached double figures, with Glenn Phillips top-scoring with 18.

The win moves Afghanistan top of Group C with New Zealand bottom, below Papua New Guinea on net run-rate.

Elsewhere, Bangladesh opened their tournament with a two-wicket win over Sri Lanka, who slip to the bottom of Group D after a second successive defeat.

Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 47 from just 48 balls to help Sri Lanka post 124-9 in their 20 overs in Dallas.

Bangladesh slipped to 28-3 in reply, but Towhid Hridoy hit 40 from just 20 deliveries and Litton Das added 36 from 38 to help the Tigers to victory.