Tarouba, June 13, 2024 – Afghanistan secured their place in the Super Eight of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, eliminating New Zealand from the tournament, after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG). This result marks the first time since 2014 that New Zealand has failed to progress past the semi-final stage in any men’s World Cup event, whether ODI or T20.
The win for Afghanistan was built on the back of outstanding new-ball performances from fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, who decimated PNG’s top order. PNG found themselves reeling at 30 for 5, with Farooqi and Naveen claiming crucial wickets inside the powerplay. PNG’s struggles were compounded by four run-outs, ultimately leading to their dismissal for a meager 95 runs.
Afghanistan chased down the target with ease, finishing the match with 29 balls remaining. Gulbadin Naib was the star with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 49, ensuring there were no further alarms after an early wobble. With this victory, Afghanistan tops Group C with six points and a net run rate of 4.230.
Naib Quells PNG’s Brief Spark
Afghanistan, set a modest target of 96, appeared to be in a comfortable position. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who had previously put on century stands, were expected to cruise. However, PNG’s Semo Kamea had other ideas. Kamea nearly dismissed Ibrahim lbw with his first delivery, but Ibrahim successfully reviewed. Nevertheless, Kamea bowled him shortly afterward. Gurbaz was also dismissed soon, leaving Afghanistan at a precarious 2 for 2.
Despite the early setbacks, Naib, along with Mohammad Nabi, steadied the innings. Naib capitalized on a dropped catch by PNG wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga and navigated the tricky pitch conditions to guide Afghanistan home without further issues.
Vala’s Run-Out Triggers PNG Collapse
After being sent in to bat, PNG started cautiously. However, their fortunes took a sharp turn when captain Assad Vala was run out in the second over. Following this, Farooqi and Naveen unleashed a devastating spell. Farooqi dismissed Lega Siaka and Sese Bau in quick succession, while Naveen uprooted Hiri Hiri and Tony Ura, leaving PNG at 30 for 5.
A brief period of resistance was provided by Chad Soper and Doriga, who added 16 runs off 24 balls. However, another run-out, this time of Soper, precipitated another collapse. Doriga continued to fight, utilizing sweeps and slogs to accumulate runs, but once he was trapped lbw by a Noor Ahmad wrong’un, PNG’s innings quickly unraveled, losing their last three wickets for just seven runs.
Afghanistan’s comprehensive win underscores their dominance in Group C and sets the stage for their Super Eight campaign, while New Zealand’s premature exit signals a significant upset in this year’s T20 World Cup.
