Afghanistan stunned New Zealand by winning by seven wickets on Friday against Papua New Guinea, eliminating the Kiwis from the T20 World Cup 2024.
Afghanistan easily advanced to the Super 8 stage of the competition, while the Kiwis were unable to advance further in the massive competition. The game took place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
Afghanistan chased a modest goal of 95 runs and won in 15.1 overs with three wickets lost.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7) and Ibrahim Zadran (0), the openers, were out of the game early, but Gulbadin Naib carried his side over the finish line with an undefeated 49 runs in 36 balls, courtesy of four fours and two sixes.
Afghanistan had earlier bowled Afghanistan out for just 95 runs in 19.5 overs thanks to a masterful showing.
PNG’s hopes of scoring a competitive score were seriously damaged when they swiftly fell to 17-4 in the fourth over of the innings.
Kiplin Doriga, a batsman and wicketkeeper, scored the most runs for PNG with 27 in 32 balls.
Afghanistan’s top bowler once again was pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who amassed remarkable figures of 3-16 in four overs.
“We have officially qualified for the Super 8 and I would like to congratulate the entire team on this accomplishment. Farooqi, who won Player of the Match, said, “I feel proud.”
