Afghanistan has secured a place in the T20 World Cup Super 8s after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad, which also eliminated New Zealand from the tournament.
Bowling first, Afghanistan restricted Papua New Guinea to 95 all out, thanks to stellar performances from seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-16) and Naveen-ul-Haq (2-4). The pair's early breakthroughs, including three wickets in four balls, left Papua New Guinea reeling at 12-3 by the third over.
Despite four run-outs contributing to their downfall, Papua New Guinea's wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga top-scored with 27, offering some resistance. However, their total of 95 was never likely to challenge Afghanistan.
In response, Afghanistan faced an early wobble, falling to 22-2 in the third over. Gulbadin Naib then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 49, including four fours and two sixes. He and Mohammad Nabi shared an unbroken stand of 46, guiding Afghanistan to 101-3 in 15.1 overs and securing their third consecutive win with 29 balls to spare.
This victory not only propelled Afghanistan to the top of Group C but also confirmed New Zealand's elimination. The Black Caps, semi-finalists in the last three T20 tournaments and runners-up in 2021, will not progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2014.
Afghanistan Bowlers Set the Tone
Afghanistan's bowlers quickly asserted dominance after electing to bowl. Papua New Guinea captain Assad Vala was run out attempting a third run in the second over, followed by Farooqi's back-to-back wickets in the third over, dismissing Lega Siaka and Sese Bau. Naveen-ul-Haq further dented Papua New Guinea's innings by bowling Hiri Hiri and Tony Ura, reducing them to five down before the end of the powerplay.
Doriga and Alei Nao managed a 38-run partnership later in the innings, but their efforts were insufficient to set a challenging target. Despite a brief scare in the chase, Afghanistan, led by Gulbadin, comfortably reached their target.
'Run-out was a bit lazy' - Reaction
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed his delight: "Feeling great to qualify for the next round. It's been a great effort from the boys from game one and most importantly we have adjusted to the conditions very quickly. That is very pleasing to me."
Papua New Guinea captain Assad Vala acknowledged his team's mistakes: "They're a really good side and we gave them four wickets with run-outs. My run-out especially was a bit lazy and put the next two batsmen in to face the in-form bowler. [Batting] has been challenging, not just for us but every team in the Caribbean."
As Afghanistan prepares for their final group match against co-hosts West Indies in St Lucia, the top spot in Group C will be decided, with Afghanistan currently leading on net run rate.
