
Title
Afghanistan push New Zealand to the wire in thrilling warm up clash
Afghanistan vs New Zealand: Warm‑up Drama Before the Champions Trophy
In a high‑stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warm‑up fixture at Karachi’s National Stadium on 16 February, Afghanistan posted a formidable 305 for 9 in 50 overs, led by a spectacular 110‑run knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. But New Zealand responded with flair—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 much‑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 Afghanistan’s strong challenge.([turn0search3], [turn0search7])
What This Means
This wasn’t just a warm‑up—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 Afghanistan’s batting mastery a year earlier:
“In their Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan thrashed New Zealand by 84 runs … highlighting their rapid rise in the cricketing world.”
— a fan reflecting on Afghanistan’s evolving dominance
Such sentiments underscore a rising reputation—Afghanistan is now a team that no one underrates.
Internal Link Suggestions
- Link this to our Champs Trophy preview page to discuss how warm‑up performances shape group stage outlooks.
- Connect to player spotlight profiles—especially explore how Gurbaz’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 Zealand
- “New Zealand chase down 306 target to beat Afghanistan in warm‑up” — Al Jazeera Sport for narrative depth and chase breakdowns.
- Match statistics and scorecard — Cricbuzz provides detailed batting scorecards and real‑time summaries.
- Comprehensive warm‑up contest breakdown — myKhel gives a narrative summary of pivotal moments and performances.
Final Thoughts Zealand
This clash was more than practice—it was a preview of the Afghan spirit. Gurbaz’s century and Atal’s punchy innings served notice, even if the match outcome favored New Zealand. 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 Afghanistan’s upcoming clash next?
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