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‘Taking fast bowling to next level’ – Fans react as Fazalhaq Farooqi’s early burst leaves New Zealand reeling

Afghanistan pace bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi destroys the New Zealand top order with three early wickets during the T20 World Cup game in Guyana on Friday.

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Fazalhaq Farooqi (Source-ICC)

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Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi was on fire with the ball in hand for a second game in a row. The 23-year-old picked 3 wickets in a fiery spell against New Zealand in Guyana to have Kane Williamson’s side reeling at 30 from the first five overs of the game. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi had already picked a fifer in the opening game of the tournament for Afghanistan against Uganda. On Friday the young pacer ripped apart the Kiwi batting as they lost three early wickets while chasing 160 runs to win. 

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan scored 159 from their 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored yet another half-century for his side. The youngster scored an 80 runs and added 103 runs for the opening wicket with Ibrahim Zadran. 

New Zealand left reeling after losing early wickets 

Needing 160 runs to win their first match of the T20 World Cup, New Zealand were in early trouble. Finn Allen came out to bat Devon Conway and the Kiwi opener saw his stumps take a walk in the first ball of the chase. Fazalhaq Farooqi got the ball to swing into the batter as the leg stump went for a walk.

The very next over Devon Conway was caught by Ibrahim Zadran at point for 8. Conway is making his comeback to the game after a long injury lay-off and hit one boundary during his knock. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi struck for a third time in as many overs as he had the wicket of Daryl Mitchell. Coming around the wicket, Farooqi got the ball to shape away a little bit as the Kiwi batter could only get the edge behind to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 5. 

Rashid Khan then brought himself into the attack once the powerplay was done. Kane Williamson pushed with hard hands as he got a thick edge. The Kiwi skipper was caught in the slips by Gulbadin Naib to be dismissed for 9 to leave his side reeling at 33/4. 

Mark Chapman saw his middle-stump knocked out of the ground as Rashid Khan got his second wicket of the day. The left-handed batter was out for 4 as New Zealand were reduced to 43/5 in the 9th over still needing 117 runs from 77 balls. 

Here’s how the fans reacted 

 

T20 World Cup