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Afghanistan push New Zealand to the wire in thrilling warm up clash

Afghanistan vs New Zealand: Warmโ€‘up Drama Before the Champions Trophy

In a highโ€‘stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warmโ€‘up fixture at Karachiโ€™s National Stadium on 16 February, Afghanistan posted a formidable 305 for 9 in 50 overs, led by a spectacular 110โ€‘run knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. But New Zealand responded with flairโ€”chasing down 306 with 13 balls to spare to win by two wickets.([turn0search3], [turn0search6], [turn0search7])

Match Highlights

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz anchored the Afghan innings with a blazing 110 off 107 balls, peppered with boundaries and sheer timing.([turn0search3], [turn0search14], [turn0search10])
  • Afghan contributions also included a brisk 52 from Sediqullah Atal, who brought muchโ€‘needed impetus to the middle overs.([turn0search3], [turn0search11])
  • In the quest to seal the hefty target, New Zealand leaned on Devon Conway (66 retired out), Mark Chapman (47), and a composed 36 by Daryl Mitchell*, who guided the chase with just two wickets in hand.([turn0search3], [turn0search7])
  • Support came from Matt Henry (31)*, ensuring the Kiwis crossed the line confidently, despite Afghanistanโ€™s strong challenge.([turn0search3], [turn0search7])

What This Means

This wasnโ€™t just a warmโ€‘upโ€”it was a statement. Afghanistan demonstrated depth and batting firepower, while New Zealand showed just enough composure to match it.

  • Afghanistan can draw confidence from scoring 300-plus against a major team.
  • New Zealand displayed depth and calm, chasing under pressure, raising eyebrows ahead of the main tournament.

Fan Reactions

Reddit buzzed with excitement about Afghanistanโ€™s batting mastery a year earlier:

โ€œIn their Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan thrashed Newโ€ฏZealand by 84 runs โ€ฆ highlighting their rapid rise in the cricketing world.โ€
โ€” a fan reflecting on Afghanistanโ€™s evolving dominance

Such sentiments underscore a rising reputationโ€”Afghanistan is now a team that no one underrates.


Internal Link Suggestions

  • Link this to our Champs Trophy preview page to discuss how warmโ€‘up performances shape group stage outlooks.
  • Connect to player spotlight profilesโ€”especially explore how Gurbazโ€™s form could influence tournament dynamics.
  • Integrate into the Afghanistan strategy analysis section, highlighting batting depth and pressure handling as key themes.

Suggested External Links Zealandย 

  • โ€œNew Zealand chase down 306 target to beat Afghanistan in warmโ€‘upโ€ โ€” Alโ€ฏJazeera Sport for narrative depth and chase breakdowns.
  • Match statistics and scorecard โ€” Cricbuzz provides detailed batting scorecards and realโ€‘time summaries.
  • Comprehensive warmโ€‘up contest breakdown โ€” myKhel gives a narrative summary of pivotal moments and performances.

Final Thoughts Zealandย 

This clash was more than practiceโ€”it was a preview of the Afghan spirit. Gurbazโ€™s century and Atalโ€™s punchy innings served notice, even if the match outcome favored Newโ€ฏZealand. Both sides now enter the Champions Trophy with insights to sharpen and strategies to refine.

Would you like a video highlight breakdown, net run rate impact insight, or a preview of Afghanistanโ€™s upcoming clash next?

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