Afghanistan Advances in T20 World Cup, Eliminates New Zealand

Afghanistan highlighted their emerging prowess in the 2024 T20 World Cup with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Thursday. This win secured their advancement to the Super Eight phase and simultaneously eliminated New Zealand from the competition.

Fazalhaq Farooqi continued his impressive form, claiming three wickets to lead the tournament’s wicket tally as PNG were dismissed for a mere 95 runs in 19.5 overs at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Farooqi’s performance included two early breakthroughs and a crucial wicket later in the innings, finishing with figures of three for 16.

Despite an early wobble in their chase, with both openers falling cheaply, Afghanistan steadied their innings and reached the target with ease. Gulbadin Naib, who was dropped on nine by PNG’s wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga, guided his team home with an unbeaten 49. His unbroken fourth-wicket stand with Mohammad Nabi, who contributed 16 not out, ensured Afghanistan finished on 101 for 3 in 15.1 overs.

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The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s place in the next round alongside hosts West Indies, while New Zealand, despite having two group matches remaining, were knocked out. Farooqi’s performance, which earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award, has been pivotal, bringing his tournament tally to 12 wickets—four more than his closest competitors.

PNG’s innings was marred by poor running between the wickets, resulting in three run-outs, including their captain Assad Vala, who was dismissed in the second over. Despite slipping to 50 for 7, PNG fought back with a 38-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Doriga and Alei Nao. However, Farooqi’s return to the attack ended this resistance.

Vala acknowledged the strength of Afghanistan’s bowling unit and admitted to his costly run-out, expressing satisfaction with his bowlers’ efforts despite insufficient support from the batsmen.

Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, praised his team’s ability to adapt to conditions and highlighted Farooqi’s aggressive bowling approach as a key factor in their success. Rashid emphasized the importance of attacking in T20 cricket, especially when conditions favor the bowlers.

Overall, Afghanistan’s victory underscores their growing status as formidable contenders in the T20 World Cup, with strong performances in both batting and bowling, particularly from standout players like Farooqi and Naib.