Papua New Guinea: 95 (19.5 overs) | Top Scorer: Doriga 27 (32); Key Bowler: Farooqi 3-16
Afghanistan: 101-3 (15.1 overs) | Top Scorer: Gulbadin 49* (36); Key Bowler: Kamea 1-16
Result: Afghanistan won by seven wickets
In a decisive victory at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, Afghanistan secured their place in the T20 World Cup Super 8s by defeating Papua New Guinea by seven wickets. This result also led to the elimination of New Zealand from the tournament.
Afghanistan’s bowlers laid the groundwork for the win by dismissing Papua New Guinea for a modest total of 95. Although Afghanistan encountered some resistance early in their chase, Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 49 guided them home with ease.
Gulbadin Naib was the standout batsman, managing to find rhythm on a difficult pitch. His 36-ball innings included four boundaries and two sixes.
The pace duo of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq were instrumental for Afghanistan. Farooqi’s 3-16 and Naveen's 2-4, including three wickets in four deliveries, left Papua New Guinea in tatters at 12-3 within the first three overs.
Papua New Guinea compounded their problems with four run-outs. Despite being 50-7 at one stage, wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga’s 27 helped lift them to a slightly more respectable total.
Though the challenging conditions slowed Afghanistan's pursuit, Gulbadin ended the match emphatically, striking a six to seal a third consecutive victory for his team with 29 balls remaining.
This win also spelt the end for New Zealand, who, despite reaching the semi-finals in the last three T20 World Cups and finishing as runners-up in 2021, will not advance from Group C. Defeats to Afghanistan and West Indies in their initial matches ensured their early exit from the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Dominate from the Start
Having proven their mettle in the earlier matches, Afghanistan opted to bowl first and quickly took control. Papua New Guinea initially made steady progress, but the run-out of their captain, Assad Vala, attempting a third run in the second over, triggered their downfall.
Farooqi’s double strike at the start of the third over dismantled Papua New Guinea’s batting. He first edged out Lega Siaka and then bowled Sese Bau, setting the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance.
Naveen-ul-Haq continued the assault, clean bowling Hiri Hiri and then dismissing opener Tony Ura, reducing Papua New Guinea to 5 wickets down before the end of the powerplay.
Later in the innings, Doriga and Alei Nao added 38 runs, dragging their team close to the hundred mark. However, 95 was never going to be sufficient against Afghanistan, even on a tricky pitch.
Afghanistan’s chase began with a brief scare as they stumbled to 22-2 by the third over. Nonetheless, Gulbadin’s composed innings, complemented by an unbroken 46-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi, ensured a smooth finish.
This victory propelled Afghanistan to the top of Group C, leading co-hosts West Indies on net run-rate. The decisive match for the top spot in the group will take place in St Lucia against West Indies on Tuesday.
Post-Match Reactions
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan expressed his delight at advancing to the next round, commending his team's quick adaptation to the conditions. He highlighted Farooqi’s aggressive bowling as a key factor in their success, providing a strong start that eased pressure in the middle overs.
Papua New Guinea’s captain Assad Vala acknowledged Afghanistan's strength and lamented the run-outs, including his own, which he described as a lazy error. He reflected on the challenges of batting in the Caribbean and the team’s struggle to execute their plan to build and launch later in the innings.
The tournament continues to showcase thrilling cricket as Afghanistan gears up for their next challenge and aims to maintain their momentum in the Super 8s.