"Rashid Khan showing everyone why he is the best spinner on the planet" - Fans hail Afghan skipper for match-winning spell vs NZ in 2024 T20 World Cup

Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan produced a match-winning spell against New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash in Guyana on Saturday, June 8. Coming off a sensational 125-run win over Uganda in their tournament opener, the Afghans continued their relentless display against the Kiwis.

Afghanistan posted a formidable 159/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 56-ball 80 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They then reduced New Zealand to 33/3 after the powerplay before Rashid took over.

The ace spinner removed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson off the first delivery of his spell. Rashid followed the massive scalp with a double-wicket over off his second to leave the Kiwis in disarray at 43/6 in the ninth over. He eventually finished with outstanding figures of 4/17 in his four overs to propel Afghanistan to a memorable 84-run win. It was the best bowling figures by a captain in T20 World Cup history.

Rashid now has six wickets in the tournament thus far at a stunning average of 4.83 and an economy rate of 3.62.

Fans on X hailed the Afghanistan skipper for a breathtaking bowling display with the following reactions:

The champion spinner continued to receive praise from fans with one saying:

"Rashid khan is showing everyone why his the best spinner on the planet."

"The best in the business - Rashid Khan," tweeted a fan.

"Rashid Khan is what Pakistan wants Shadab Khan to be," a fan said.

"One of our best T20 performances from us" - Rashid Khan

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was delighted with the side's thumping win over New Zealand, calling it one of their best in T20Is.

The 84-run margin of victory was Afghanistan's third-highest in their T20 World Cup history and their highest against a Test-playing nation.

"One of our best T20 performances from us, especially against a big team like New Zealand," Rashid said at the post-match presentation. "If we use our skills, it's tough to chase down 160 against us. The energy in the field, the effort, the running between the wickets was amazing. Win or lose, we just need to give our 100%, if we don't give it, we'll miss something. I don't worry about the result as long as we put in the effort."

The win took Afghanistan to the top of Group C with four points in two games and a sensational net run rate of +5.225.

They will look to make it a hat-trick of wins to begin their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on Thursday, June 13.