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Gurbaz Becomes Afghanistan's 5th Highest Run-Scorer in Thrilling T20 Defeat

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 84 runs off 42 balls against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This innings propelled him past Ibrahim Zadran to become Afghanistan's fifth-highest run-scorer across all international formats. The match itself was a dramatic affair, ending in a tie and proceeding to a second Super Over before South Africa emerged victorious. Despite Gurbaz hitting three consecutive sixes in the final over, Afghanistan fell short while chasing 24 runs in the decisive Super Over.

Key Points: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Fifth-Highest Run-Scorer for Afghanistan

  • Gurbaz becomes 5th-highest Afghan run-scorer
  • Scores 84 off 42 balls vs South Africa
  • Surpasses opening partner Ibrahim Zadran
  • Afghanistan loses in double Super Over thriller
2 min read

Rahmanullah Gurbaz becomes fifth-highest run scorer for Afghanistan in international cricket

Rahmanullah Gurbaz surpasses Ibrahim Zadran to become Afghanistan's fifth-highest international run-scorer after a blistering 84 in a T20 World Cup thriller.

"Gurbaz holed out at the point as Afghanistan lost the well-fought match."

Ahemdabad, February 11

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz became the fifth-highest run getter for his nation across all formats on Wednesday.

The right-handed batter achieved this feat after smashing 84 off 42 balls against South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The 24-year-old surpassed his opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, who had earlier been ranked fifth on the elite list.

Zadaran, who is now placed sixth, has amassed 4188 runs in 110 matches and 118 innings at an average of 39.14. The right-handed batter has smashed seven centuries and 27 half-centuries across all formats.

Gurbaz, who currently placed fifth in the elite list, has scored 4235 runs in 141 innings with an average of 30.25. The 24-year-old has hammered nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Veteran cricketer Mohammad Nabi is Afghanistan's highest run-scorer, with 6240 runs in 299 innings at an average of 24.76, including two hundreds and 25 fifties.

Rahmat Shah acquires the second spot on the list of highest run scorers at 5007 runs in 161 innings.

Former wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Shahzad is ranked third, with 4844 runs. Former Afghanistan captain, Asghar Afghan, is slotted at fourth place with 4246 runs.

Coming to the match, South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a second Super Over thriller.

After the match tied with the score of 187 runs from both sides, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmatullah Gurbaz came to bat for Afghanistan as they managed to extract 17 runs in the first Super Over against the bowling of Lungi Ngidi.

Fazalhaq Farooqi came to bowl for Afghanistan while defending 17 runs in the Super Over. He bowled well and got the wicket of Dewald Brevis, but Tristan Stubbs hit two boundaries, including a six on the last delivery, to force another Super Over.

Stubbs and Miller batted for South Africa again, and Afghanistan gave the ball to Omarzai. Stubbs welcomed him with a six. Miller hit a couple more sixes to end the over with 23 runs.

Mohammad Nabi came to bat with Omarzai while chasing a challenging target of 24 runs. South Africa introduced spin in the Super Over and gave the ball to Keshav Maharaj. He started with a dot ball, then got the wicket of Nabi.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz came to bat after that and hit back to back three sixes. With one more six needed on the final delivery, Gurbaz holed out at the point as Afghanistan lost the well-fought match.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The match itself was heartbreaking for Afghanistan fans! They came so close, twice! Gurbaz played that amazing knock and then nearly pulled off the impossible in the second super over. Cricket can be so cruel sometimes.
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Vikram M
It's fantastic to see such talent emerging from our neighboring nation. The passion they play with is infectious. However, I feel their middle order needs to step up more consistently. Too much reliance on the openers. Still, kudos to Gurbaz! 👏
R
Rohit P
Nabi at the top with over 6000 runs is a testament to his longevity and service. True legend. Gurbaz has the firepower to chase that record down if he keeps this form. What a tournament this has been in Ahmedabad!
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Priya S
The stats show he has 9 centuries already! That's more than Zadran who has a better average. Shows Gurbaz is a big-match player who converts starts into big scores. So exciting to watch him bat.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, that was one of the best T20 matches I've ever seen. Edge of the seat stuff! Gurbaz's 84 off 42 was pure class. Shame about the result, but Afghanistan cricket is winning hearts globally with such performances.

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