T20 World Cup 2024: PNG vs AFG, Match 29 Highlights

On Friday, June 14, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, Afghanistan defeated Papua New Guinea to record their third straight victory of the T20 World Cup 2024.

From the beginning of the competition, the team captained by Rashid Khan has been making waves. After overcoming New Zealand, a formidable opponent, the team was full with confidence. Khan chose to field first after winning the toss.

The top-order batsman for Papua New Guinea was quickly removed from the team, resulting in yet another poor performance at the bat. The score was 30/5 after five of the Assad Vala-led team’s hitters returned to the pavilion during the powerplay. Other than Kiplin Doriga (27 runs) and Alei Nao (13 runs), no other batter was able to hold the crease for an extended period of time. Four Papua New Guinea batsmen were out of the ten wickets because of runouts.

Afghanistan has some excellent spinners, but their fast bowlers stole the show throughout the entire match. Together, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq claimed five wickets, allowing them to dismiss the opposition for just 95 runs in 19.5 overs.

As they lost both of their openers, who were outstanding early on in the chase, Khan and company also didn’t get off to a good start at bat. After adding just 13 runs to the scoreboard, all-round player Azmatullah Omarzai likewise made his way back to the dugout. But the two most seasoned players in Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi, combined for 46 runs to help Afghanistan chase down the target and win the match by seven wickets.

Allow us to examine the game’s highlights:

1. The outstanding spell of 3/16 by Fazalhaq Farooqi

The youthful 23-year-old Farooqi had an amazing day at the bowl, taking three wickets from Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, and Alei Nao. Because he prevented the opposition hitters from forming a significant partnership, the left-arm seamer was able to dominate them. With 12 wickets, he is presently the tournament’s highest wicket-taker and also awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding stint.

2. Afghanistan earns a Super Eight spot

Along with their comfortable victory, Rashid Khan and his team advanced to the Super Eight stage. Afghanistan has three wins under their belt and is comfortably leading the table with one game remaining in the league round.

3. The heroic 49-point strike by Gulbadin Naib

The all-around player Gulbadin Naib made the most of his chance to score several runs and contribute to his team’s victory. Naib executed every stroke with composure and skillfully rotated the strike. During the 36 balls that he faced, the experienced player hit two massive sixes and four boundaries.

Here are some more highlights from Afghanistan’s win over Papua New Guinea: