By Krishna Dua 
Rashid Khan’s Fiery Spell Seals 2026 Thriller
Rashid Khan produced one of the most devastating and memorable bowling performances of the early 2026 international season during the decisive third T20I between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 7 February 2026. The 27-year-old Afghanistan captain and premier leg-spinner returned figures of 5/14 from his four overs, dismantling New Zealand’s middle and lower order in a spell that turned a potentially close contest into a commanding 41-run victory for the home side. Afghanistan clinched the three-match series 2–1, handing New Zealand their first bilateral T20I series defeat in more than two years.
The win is Afghanistan’s most significant bilateral T20I triumph over a Full Member since 2022 and their biggest scalp on home soil in any format since the 2021 Test victory over Pakistan. Rashid’s five-wicket haul was the standout individual performance of the series and one of the defining moments of Afghanistan cricket in 2026 so far.
Match Summary: Afghanistan 196/6, New Zealand 155 All Out
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first on a surface that offered grip and turn from the outset. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (68 off 39) and Ibrahim Zadran (44 off 28) provided a blistering 92-run platform in the powerplay. Gurbaz’s aggressive strokeplay included seven fours and four sixes, while Zadran rotated strike effectively.
After both openers fell in quick succession to Tim Southee, the middle order stuttered briefly. Azmatullah Omarzai (38 off 22) and Mohammad Nabi (29* off 16) rebuilt with a 62-run stand in the last seven overs, lifting Afghanistan to a commanding 196/6 in 20 overs.
New Zealand’s chase began positively with Finn Allen (28 off 18) and Devon Conway (42 off 34) adding 68 in the powerplay. At 78/1 after 9 overs, the visitors looked well placed. Then Rashid Khan entered the attack.
Rashid Khan’s Match-Winning Spell – Breakdown
Rashid bowled the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th overs, conceding just 14 runs while taking 5 wickets. The spell’s key moments:
- 10.2 overs: Devon Conway lbw to a skidding googly
- 11.4 overs: Glenn Phillips caught at long-on attempting a big hit
- 12.3 overs: Michael Bracewell stumped off a wide leg-break
- 14.1 overs: Tim Seifert bowled through the gate by a classic leg-spinner
- 15.6 overs: Mitchell Santner lbw to a quicker wrong’un
Rashid’s economy rate of 3.50 was the best by any bowler in the match. He bowled 14 dot balls in his 24 deliveries, suffocating New Zealand’s middle order and preventing any momentum. The five-wicket haul is his fourth in T20Is and his best figures against a Full Member nation.
Post-match, Rashid said: “The wicket was helping spin from ball one. The plan was to bowl hard lengths, mix pace and variations, and trust the surface. It’s a proud moment for Afghan cricket to beat New Zealand 2–1.”
Afghanistan’s Bowling Depth & Tactical Execution
The victory was a complete team effort. Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/24) and Naveen-ul-Haq (2/28) provided excellent support with the new ball and in the death overs, while Azmatullah Omarzai (1/19) chipped in with a crucial wicket. Afghanistan’s fielding was exceptional—four direct hits and several sharp catches—reflecting months of preparation under head coach Jonathan Trott.
Richie Berrington (New Zealand captain) admitted post-match: “Rashid was simply unplayable today. We knew he was the danger man, but he took it to another level. Full credit to Afghanistan—they outplayed us in every department.”
Statistical Highlights of the Match
- Highest individual score: Rahmanullah Gurbaz 68 (Afghanistan)
- Best bowling figures: Rashid Khan 5/14 (Afghanistan)
- Highest partnership: 92 (Gurbaz–Zadran for Afghanistan)
- Lowest partnership: 0 (four occasions in New Zealand’s collapse)
- Run-rate comparison: Afghanistan 9.80 rpo; New Zealand 7.89 rpo
Series Summary & Takeaways for Afghanistan
Afghanistan won the three-match series 2–1 with the following results:
- 1st T20I: Afghanistan 182/6 beat New Zealand 130 by 52 runs
- 2nd T20I: Afghanistan 176/9 lost to New Zealand 183/7 by 6 runs
- 3rd T20I: Afghanistan 196/6 beat New Zealand 155 by 41 runs
The series showcased Afghanistan’s growing depth—explosive batting, world-class spin attack and improved death bowling. The 2–1 win over a Full Member on home soil boosts confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States in June 2026.
For New Zealand the series highlighted vulnerabilities against quality spin on slower surfaces and the need to strengthen middle-order finishing and death-over execution.
Post-Match Reactions
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan captain & Player of the Match): “This series win means everything to us. The boys showed character and belief. Beating New Zealand 2–1 is massive for Afghan cricket.”
- Mitchell Santner (New Zealand captain): “We were in a winning position in the second game but lost too many wickets in clusters. Credit to Afghanistan—they bowled brilliantly. We’ll take the positives and move forward.”
- Coach Jonathan Trott (Afghanistan): “This is the kind of performance we’ve been building toward. The team is maturing fast.”
Conclusion: Rashid Khan Reasserts Dominance
Rashid Khan’s 5/14 on 7 February 2026 will be remembered as one of the great individual performances in T20I history. The spell was a masterclass in control, variation and wicket-taking ability on a turning track. It reminded the cricketing world why he remains the most feared T20 bowler on the planet.
For Afghanistan, the 2–1 series victory is more than just results—it is proof of their growing depth and ability to compete with Full Members consistently. For Rashid Khan personally, it is a return to the kind of dominance that made him the youngest captain to lead a side to a major ICC tournament semi-final (2024 T20 World Cup).
As the T20 World Cup approaches, teams will once again be reminded: when Rashid Khan is at his best, the game can change in the space of four overs.