Rahmanullah Gurbaz On Cusp Of History, In Contention To Break Virat Kohli's HUGE T20 World Cup Record vs SA

rahmanullah gurbaz on cusp of history, in contention to break virat kohli's huge t20 world cup record vs sa

Virat Kohli has not yet delivered a significant performance as an opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 so far. Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the other hand is nearing the milestone of surpassing Kohli's record in this major tournament. Gurbaz requires 39 more runs in Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal match against South Africa on June 26 at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad.

Gurbaz is currently the top run-scorer in this edition of the tournament, having accumulated 281 runs from seven innings with an average of 40.14, including three fifties. Kohli, on the other hand, holds the record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition. In 2014, on Sri Lankan soil, he amassed 319 runs from six innings at an astounding average of 106.33, featuring four half-centuries.

On the final ball of the first over during Bangladesh's run chase, Gurbaz was adversely affected by the lack of bounce. The ball struck his knee, causing him considerable pain on the ground. The physio was summoned, but the magic spray proved ineffective. After receiving medical attention, he was forced to leave the field.

Substitute wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq took over the gloves for the remainder of the match at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent, and even managed to take a catch.

If Gurbaz is unable to fully recover, Ishaq is expected to step in as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Hazratullah Zazai might open the innings with Ibrahim Zadran, potentially resulting in Karim Janat being benched.

Gurbaz kicked off the tournament with an impressive 45-ball 76 against Uganda, who were making their T20 World Cup debut. He followed this with a remarkable 80 runs from 56 balls against New Zealand, helping Afghanistan make history. However, he then went through a slump, managing only 22 runs over three innings, including a duck against the West Indies and a mere 11 runs against India.

In crucial matches, Gurbaz rose to the occasion. He capitalized on dropped chances against Australia, scoring 60 runs off 49 balls, leading Afghanistan to a stunning 21-run victory. In the subsequent match against Bangladesh, despite struggling to score freely, he top-scored with 43 runs from 55 balls.