Afghanistan beat PNG to secure Super 8 spot in T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan clinched a decisive victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Friday, winning by seven wickets at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. 

This triumph secured Afghanistan's place in the Super 8 round, resulting in New Zealand's elimination from the tournament.

Chasing a modest target of 95 runs, Afghanistan achieved the victory in 15.1 overs with the loss of only three wickets. Despite early setbacks with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7) and Ibrahim Zadran (0) being dismissed quickly, Gulbadin Naib led the charge with an unbeaten 49 off 36 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes.

Earlier, Afghanistan's bowlers delivered a clinical performance, restricting PNG to a mere 95 runs in 19.5 overs. PNG's innings faltered early, plummeting to 17-4 by the fourth over, undermining their chances of posting a competitive total. Wicketkeeper-batter Kiplin Doriga emerged as PNG's top scorer with 27 runs off 32 balls.

Pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi shone once again for Afghanistan, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs. His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match title.

With this win, Afghanistan and the West Indies advance from Group C to the Super 8, while PNG and New Zealand exit the tournament.