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    Afghanistan’s Evolving T20 Strategy Beyond Spin Dominance
Afghanistan’s Evolving T20 Strategy Beyond Spin Dominance
Afghanistan Team. Source: sports.ndtv.com

Afghanistan’s Evolving T20 Strategy Beyond Spin Dominance

For years, Afghanistan's T20 success was anchored by the formidable spin trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman with the new ball, Mohammad Nabi post-powerplay, and Rashid Khan in the middle overs. These three spinners were so effective that Afghanistan's reputation in T20 cricket became synonymous with their spin prowess.

Recently, however, Afghanistan's victories in the T20 World Cup 2024 have showcased their growing strength beyond spin. Their opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, alongside left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, have emerged as key players. 

In their opening match against Uganda, Gurbaz and Ibrahim’s partnership of 154 runs in just 14.3 overs set up Afghanistan’s total of 183/5. Farooqi then decimated Uganda's batting lineup with a career-best 5 for 9. Despite this performance coming against a less experienced side, the trio proved their mettle again against New Zealand.

On a Providence pitch offering assistance to both seamers and spinners, Gurbaz and Ibrahim had a shaky start. Gurbaz narrowly escaped being bowled and run out early, while Ibrahim was dropped twice. They managed 44 runs in the powerplay but struggled to accelerate, reaching only 55/0 after ten overs. Both batsmen were batting cautiously, with Gurbaz expressing frustration over their slow start against spinners.

The strategy was to cautiously play out Mitchell Santner and target other bowlers. Advised by the team management to accelerate, Gurbaz and Ibrahim responded by hitting three sixes off Michael Bracewell’s third over. This shift in momentum turned the game in Afghanistan’s favour.

The following overs saw further aggression as Gurbaz and Ibrahim added sixes off Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult, contributing to a 103-run partnership in 14.3 overs. This made them the first opening pair to score century partnerships in two consecutive T20 World Cup innings. Gurbaz highlighted their long-standing partnership, emphasising their strong communication and mutual understanding of the field.

Gurbaz continued after Ibrahim’s dismissal for 44, eventually scoring 80 off 56 balls, lifting Afghanistan to a competitive total of 159. Despite this, New Zealand’s chase seemed within reach until Farooqi took centre stage. Dubbed "No. 1 naughty guy" by Gurbaz for his playful nature, Farooqi’s confidence and skill were on full display.

Farooqi struck early, removing Finn Allen with his first delivery. He then dismissed Devon Conway and used his angle well to take Daryl Mitchell’s wicket, leaving New Zealand reeling with three early wickets. Rashid Khan capitalised on this, quickly running through the middle order. Farooqi’s return to clean up the tail sealed Afghanistan’s win, ending with remarkable figures of 4 for 17. This marked the first time a bowler took consecutive four-wicket hauls in T20 World Cup history.

Brief Scores 

- Afghanistan: 159/5 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80, Ibrahim Zadran 44)  

- New Zealand: 119 all out in 18.4 overs (Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/17, Rashid Khan 2/24)

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