AFG vs NZ Warm up Match Scorecard - New Zealand Edge Past Afghanistan in Thrilling Chase to Seal Practice Match Victory

Afghanistan put up a spirited fight, but New Zealand held their nerve to chase down the 306-run target with just two wickets in hand in a high-intensity ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up match at Karachi’s National Stadium. Daryl Mitchell starred in the chase with a composed, match-winning 36* of 25 balls, while Devon Conway’s crucial 66 and Matt Henry’s steady 31 runs of just 21 balls at the end helped the BlackCaps cross the finish line.

Earlier Afghanistan delivered a commanding batting performance, posting a strong total of 305/9. The innings was headlined by a breathtaking century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a scintillating knock to put his team in a dominant position.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 Warm-Up Match

National Stadium, Karachi – 16 February 2025

Afghanistan: 305/9 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 110, Sediqullah Atal 52, Hashmatullah Shahidi 40; Matt Henry 2-37, Jacob Duffy 2-49, Mitchell Santner 2-34)

New Zealand: 308/8 in 47.5 overs (Devon Conway 66 retired out, Mark Sinclair Chapman 47, Daryl Joseph Mitchell 36*, Matt Henry 31*; Rashid Khan Arman 2-33, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal 2-76, Azmatullah Omarzai 1-24)

Result: New Zealand won by 2 wickets

Gurbaz Leads the Charge with a Blazing Century

Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 305/9 in their 50 overs, led by a stunning century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The wicketkeeper-batter played a brilliant knock of 110 off 107 balls, anchoring the innings with 12 fours and a six at a strike rate of 102.80. He was well-supported by Sediqullah Atal, who smashed 52 off just 42 balls with five fours and two sixes, providing the middle order with much-needed impetus.

Ibrahim Zadran contributed 32 off 49 deliveries, ensuring a steady start alongside Gurbaz, but Rahmat Shah fell for a duck as Afghanistan briefly lost momentum. Hashmatullah Shahidi added a valuable 40 off just 4 balls, playing an unusual yet effective innings before being dismissed by Jacob Duffy. The lower order struggled to capitalize on the strong platform, with Azmatullah Omarzai (3), Gulbadin Naib (12), and Mohammad Nabi (11) failing to make significant contributions.

Following the dismissal of Gurbaz, the Afghan middle order continued to push forward. Hashmatullah Shahidi played a responsible knock, scoring 40 runs to maintain the momentum. While wickets started falling in the later stages, Afghanistan ensured they went past the 300-run mark, setting a challenging target for New Zealand. Towards the end, Nangeyalia Kharote (10*) and Noor Ahmad (6*) added some quick runs, pushing Afghanistan past the 300-run mark. Extras played a crucial role, with New Zealand conceding 24 runs through wides and no-balls.

New Zealand Bowlers Face a Tough Outing

New Zealand’s bowling attack had a challenging time containing Afghanistan’s batting onslaught. Despite some disciplined spells in the latter half of the innings, the early dominance from Gurbaz and Atal made it difficult for the Kiwis to regain control.Among the Kiwi bowlers, Matt Henry (2/37) and Jacob Duffy (2/49) were the standout performers, while Mitchell Santner (2/34) and Nathan Smith (1/53) also chipped in with key breakthroughs. Glenn Phillips (1/60) and Daryl Mitchell (0/18) kept the pressure on in the middle overs.

New Zealand Innings:

With 305 on the board, Afghanistan will look to test their bowling unit against New Zealand’s batting powerhouse. Mitchell Santner’s side will have to counter Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, led by Rashid Khan, if they are to chase down the target successfully.

New Zealand began their pursuit of 306 with a cautious yet confident approach, reaching 54/1 after 11 overs. Will Young was the only early casualty, falling to Azmatullah Omarzai, but the BlackCaps remained composed. With Devon Conway at the crease, anchoring the innings, and experienced batters still to come, New Zealand will look to build a solid foundation before accelerating in the middle overs. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will aim to tighten their grip with spin and early breakthroughs to put the pressure back on the Kiwis.

Chasing 306, New Zealand lost Will Young early for 14, dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai. However, Devon Conway steadied the innings with a fluent 66 off 67 balls, striking seven fours and a six before retiring out. Mark Chapman (47 off 55) and Tom Latham (15 off 19) provided decent support but fell to Afghanistan’s spin attack, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad picking up crucial wickets.

Afghanistan Tighten Grip as New Zealand Lose Five Wickets in Chase of 306

Michael Bracewell (1) and captain Mitchell Santner (33 off 35) also struggled to build on the momentum, but Glenn Phillips played a counter-attacking knock of 46 off 35 before retiring out. The lower order then came to the rescue, with Daryl Mitchell smashing an unbeaten 36 off 25 balls and Matt Henry blasting a crucial 31* off just 20 balls, guiding New Zealand to victory with 308/8 in 47.5 overs.

New Zealand Fight Back but Afghanistan Keep Control as Chase Enters Final Stage

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the BlackCaps have managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, keeping their hopes alive. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers have maintained the pressure, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad leading the attack with two wickets each, while Azmatullah Omarzai has chipped in with one. At 232/7 after 40 overs, the match was finely poised, with Afghanistan needing just three wickets to seal the win. However, Daryl Mitchell’s composure and ability to accelerate at the right time proved to be the difference. Along with Matt Henry, he steered New Zealand home, showcasing resilience against Afghanistan’s spin attack.

Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan (2/33) and Noor Ahmad (2/76), kept the game alive with timely strikes. Azmatullah Omarzai (1/24) was economical with the new ball, while Mohammad Nabi (0/36) and Gulbadin Naib (0/31) struggled to make an impact. Fazalhaq Farooqi (0/45) and Nangeyalia Kharote (0/17) failed to find breakthroughs, allowing New Zealand to edge past the finish line.

Looking Ahead to the Champions Trophy 2025

Despite the loss, Afghanistan will take plenty of positives from this match as they gear up for their opening Champions Trophy fixture against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. New Zealand, buoyed by their successful chase, will head into their first tournament game against hosts Pakistan on February 19, also in Karachi.

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 nears, Afghanistan’s performance in this warm-up match has sent a strong message to their competitors. With an explosive top order and a solid middle order, they have showcased their ability to take on top teams, making them a team to watch in the tournament.

With both teams having tested their strengths and weaknesses, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to deliver high-octane cricket, and fans can expect intense battles ahead.