Rahmanullah Gurbaz stole the spotlight at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday against South Africa. Afghanistan were set a massive total of 187/5 by South Africa and in reply, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz came out all guns blazing. He started his innings with a couple of boundaries against Lungi Ngidi in the first over. Gurbaz then took it to Jansen smashing him for a six. In the third over he welcomed Kagiso Rabada with a six over third man as he was taking the attack to the opposition. He also smashed George Linde in the fourth over for a six over long off as Afghanistan raced to 50/0 in just four overs.

Gurbaz raced away to 32 runs of just 15 balls. It was a treat to watch Gurbaz who looked in sublime touch and helped his team pick up a fast start. He brought up his half century in just 26 balls. This was the 14th half century for Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the T20I format and he now shares the record for most fifties in this format for Afghanistan with Ibrahim Zadran He went to the milestone by smashing a six to George Linde. Watch his celebration here.

This knock of 26 ball fifty by Gurbaz is also the second quickest for Afghanistan in T20 WC after 24 balls by Shafiqullah Shinwari against Hong Kong in 2014. Gurbaz continued his onslaught as he smashed seven sixes on his way to 84 before getting dismissed by Keshav Maharaj. He departed for 84 runs of just 42 balls and ended his innings with a strike rate of more than 200. He had put his side in top position before getting dismissed and was visibly upset as he had a real chance to get a century and ensure the win for his side.

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This was a crucial game for Afghanistan after losing the opening match to New Zealand. This is a must win game and a loss here would make it really tough for them to make it to the Super 8. Unfortunately, apart from Gurbaz no other batter could get going but this knock of Gurbaz has Afghanistan in touching position of win in this game. It will now be the duty of others to ensure this knock becomes a match winning one.