Cricket Highlights, June 13: T20 WC 2024 (Match 29) – Papua New Guinea vs. Afghanistan

Papua New Guinea vs. Afghanistan (Match 29) – Highlights

In this article, we will delve into the thrilling encounter between Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea (PNG) at Tarouba, which determined Afghanistan’s progression to the Super Eight stage of the men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Afghanistan’s commanding seven-wicket victory over PNG, orchestrated by a formidable bowling performance and a composed run chase, secured their spot in the next round.

Afghanistan secured their spot in the Super Eight stage of the men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) at Tarouba. The win was facilitated by a devastating new-ball display from fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, who collectively dismantled PNG’s top order, claiming five wickets within the powerplay. Additionally, PNG’s woes were compounded by four run-outs, contributing to their dismissal for a modest 95 runs.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) began their innings against Afghanistan with hopes of setting a competitive total. However, their top-order batsmen struggled right from the start. Tony Ura, their opener, managed only 11 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq.

Assad Vala, Lega Siaka, and Sese Bau swiftly followed suit, all departing without making significant contributions to the scoreboard. By the conclusion of the powerplay, PNG was in a precarious position at 30 for 5.

As the innings progressed, PNG’s middle-order pairing of Chad Soper and Kiplin Doriga attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 16 runs cautiously over 24 balls. However, their partnership was short-lived as a lapse in communication led to Soper being run out in the tenth over. Doriga, resilient in his approach, utilized sweep shots effectively against Afghanistan’s spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad.

In the middle overs, Kiplin Doriga put up some resistance and scored a vital 27 runs off of 32 deliveries. His 13-run combination with Alei Nao helped PNG’s innings to momentarily stabilize. But throughout, PNG was under pressure from Afghanistan’s bowling assault, which was led by three-wicket man Fazalhaq Farooqi and backed by Naveen-ul-Haq and Noor Ahmad.

Despite Neo’s late efforts to score off the seamers, PNG struggled to accelerate their innings. Doriga’s dismissal to Noor Ahmad marked the beginning of the end for PNG, as they lost their last three wickets for just seven runs. The Papua New Guinea team struggled to build partnerships or accelerate the scoring rate, eventually being bowled out for 95 runs in 19.5 overs.

Chasing a target of 96 runs, Afghanistan started cautiously but lost Ibrahim Zadran early in the innings. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the other opener Ibrahim Zadran, showed intent with a quick 11 runs off 7 balls before falling victim to Alei Nao. However, Gulbadin Naib steadied the ship with a composed innings, anchoring the chase brilliantly.

Naib’s unbeaten 49 off 36 deliveries included 4 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcasing his ability to rotate strike and find gaps in the field. Despite losing a couple of wickets in the middle overs, Afghanistan maintained control over the chase. With the help of Mohammad Nabi’s 16 runs without a loss and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 13 runs, Afghanistan easily reached the mark in 15.1 overs.

Afghanistan’s victory was a testament to their disciplined bowling and solid batting performance under pressure. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s early breakthroughs and economical bowling set the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance. They managed to capitalize on Papua New Guinea’s batting struggles and secured a convincing 7-wicket win with 29 balls to spare.

Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target with 29 balls to spare, with Gulbadin Naib anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 49. The result was particularly significant as it marked the first time since 2014 that New Zealand failed to progress beyond the group stage in a men’s World Cup, be it ODI or T20 format.

Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea Scoreboard

Afghanistan – 101/3 (15.1)

PNG – 95 (19.5)

Result –   Afghanistan won by 7 wickets

Player of the match – Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea Playing XIs 

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