Trinidad: In a captivating display of skill and strategy, Afghanistan gently secured their spot in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding seven-wicket triumph over Papua New Guinea in the Group C clash at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium here on Friday.
This serene victory of Afghanistan over PNG sealed the fate of the Black Caps' T20 World Cup campaign. Following New Zealand’s defeat to the West Indies on Thursday, coupled with a tournament-opening loss to Afghanistan earlier this month, the Black Caps cannot accrue more than four points from their last two matches.
With both the West Indies and Afghanistan boasting a 3-0 winning record so far, their six points each mean neither can fall out of contention to reach the Super Eight stage. New Zealand will now finish their campaign with inconsequential fixtures against both Uganda on Saturday (NZ time) and Papua New Guinea on Tuesday.
Set a modest target of 96, Afghanistan approached the chase with an effortless grace, reaching their goal in 15.1 overs. The star of the show was Gulbadin Naib, who dazzled with an unhurried 49 off 36 balls. His crucial 41-run partnership with Mohammad Nabi, who contributed a measured 16 off 23 balls, ensured a smooth path to victory. Adding a touch of drama, Naib brought the game to a spectacular close by calmly smashing a six when Afghanistan needed just one run off 30 balls.
Despite early setbacks with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11) departing cheaply for the first time in the tournament, this allowed the middle order to shine. Mohammad Naib (16*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (13) steadied the innings with a short partnership before Omarzai fell to a sharp delivery.
Naib, with Nabi's experienced support, guided Afghanistan across the finish line. The PNG pacers showed commendable discipline but were ultimately hampered by a low total, which might have been more competitive with an additional 30-40 runs.
Afghanistan's bowling attack has been nothing short of lethal, evident from the opposition scores of 58, 75, and 95. Fazalhaq Farooqi, leading the charge, added to his impressive wicket tally, now standing at 12, with strong support from Naveen-ul-Haq (2/4) and others.
Only three PNG batsmen managed to reach double digits, two of whom contributed to a notable 38-run stand for the 8th wicket. Adding to PNG's woes, 26 extras nudged them close to the 100-mark. As dew settled in mid-innings, Afghanistan’s chase was further eased, wrapping up the match with aplomb.
