At the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan secured a spot in the Super Eight with a seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG), eliminating New Zealand from the tournament.
The match, held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, showcased Afghanistan’s growing prowess in the cricketing world.
Afghanistan’s bowlers win by restricting PNG to a 95 runs in 19.5 overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, delivered another stellar performance, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs. His ability to exploit the conditions were instrumental in dismantling PNG’s batting lineup.
The tone was set early when PNG’s captain, Assad Vala, was run out in the second over. This mishap opened the floodgates as PNG struggled to find stability. Farooqi quickly capitalized, removing Lega Siaka and Sese Bau in consecutive deliveries. His aggressive approach earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for Afghanistan.
PNG’s innings was marred by a series of run outs, highlighting their internal miscommunication and pressure from Afghanistan’s fielding unit. Kiplin Doriga was the only PNG batsman to show some resistance, top-scoring with 27 runs. Alei Nao contributed 13 runs, but their efforts were not enough to mount a competitive total.
Despite being 50 for seven at one point, PNG managed a brief fightback with Doriga and Nao adding 38 runs for the eighth wicket. However, Farooqi’s return to the attack in the 19th over quickly ended their hopes, as he claimed another scalp before a fourth run out concluded their innings.
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