T20 World Cup 2021: Cricket fraternity reacts as New Zealand qualify for semis with convincing win over Afghanistan

New Zealand became the second team after Pakistan to qualify for the last-four stage from Group 2.

By Salman Anjum - 07 Nov, 2021

New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets | Getty New Zealand registered a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their last Super 12 match of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (November 7).

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a below-par 124/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Najibullah Zadran was the lone warrior with the bat, scoring 73 off 48 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes.

For the BlackCaps, all the fast bowlers did a commendable job. Trent Boult (3-17), Tim Southee (2-24), Adam Milne (1-17), and Jimmy Neesham (1-24) returned with impressive bowling figures.

In reply, New Zealand rode on skipper Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 40 and Devon Conway’s 32-ball 36* to overhaul the target with 11 balls to spare.

With this win, the Kiwis became the second team after Pakistan to qualify for the semi-final from Group 2.

Cricket experts on Twitter lauded Williamson and company for their stunning display in an all-important game against Afghanistan.

Check out the reactions:

I actually fancy #NZ winning the title. Have not shown the same flair and flamboyance as England, Pak, Australia, but have shown solidity, depth and resourcefulness in batting and bowling, brilliant in the field and led by a superb captain.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 7, 2021

Well played New Zealand ???????? congratulations for reaching the semi finals ????
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) November 7, 2021

Qismat ki baat hai. Insan jo bhi karna chahy lakhin hotha wahi hai jo Allah chahy. Congratulations team @BLACKCAPS #NZvAFG
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) November 7, 2021

Very well played #NewZealand . Clinical ????????. #AfgvsNZ #Afganistan #T20WorldCup
— RK (@RK_sports) November 7, 2021

Well done New Zealand. Clinical effort. Obviously feel a bit sad that India couldn’t make it, but four fantastic and deserving teams will light up the semis. #Newzealand #NZvAFG
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) November 7, 2021

Another first class performance from @BLACKCAPS today. Bowlers hit the right lengths early, they were aggressive and made @ACBofficials work for every run!125 was never going to be enough, professional chase to ease any nerves. NZ’s 3rd T20WC Semi-Final awaits!
.#T20WorldCup
— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) November 7, 2021

Fair result. 2 best teams from the group make it. Pakistan And NZ def the top two from the group. Now to the Rohit Rahul era in white ball cricket. Not the best end for Virat in world cups but that’s how sport is.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 7, 2021

T20 World Cup 2021: Cricket fraternity reacts as New Zealand qualify for semis with convincing win over Afghanistan

New Zealand became the second team after Pakistan to qualify for the last-four stage from Group 2.

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