Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea Highlgihts, T20 World Cup 2024:

T20 World Cup 2024 AFG vs PNG Highlights: Fazalhaq Farooqi starred with the ball as Afghanistan pumped Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.Afghanistan have made their way through to the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024. On Friday, June 14, Rashid Khan’s men defeated Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. Back in 2016, the Afghans entered the Super 10s.

Thereafter, in 2021 and 2022, they progressed to the Super 12s, but this is the first time they will be amongst the top 8 teams in the history of the tournament.Afghanistan consigned Papua New Guinea to a big defeat at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium in match number 29 of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. The outcome ensured Afghanistan became the second Group C team, after tournament co-hosts West Indies, to qualify for the Super Eights stage, thus knocking New Zealand out of the race.

In reply, Afghanistan stumbled, losing both openers cheaply but eventually reached the target for the loss of three wickets in the 16th over for a third straight win.

Gulbadin Naib, dropped on nine by wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga off medium-pacer Alei Nao, took his team past the finish line with an unbeaten 49 in an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 46 with Mohammad Nabi (16 not out). Afghanistan finished on 101/3 off 15.1 overs.

The result confirms Afghanistan’s place, together with co-hosts West Indies, in the next round while eliminating New Zealand, who still have two group games to play.

Farooqi spearheaded another impressive Afghan bowling effort, taking two quick wickets after PNG captain Assad Vala inadvertently opened the door for his opponents when he was carelessly run out in the second over of the match.

Two more run outs followed and Farooqi returned in the 19th over to claim another scalp to finish with three for 16 before a fourth run out ended the innings.

“I just keep it simple and stay with my strengths,” said Farooqi after receiving the Player of the Match award. “If conditions are helpful for me I’m going for wickets. We just want to keep on giving 100 percent in every match we play.”

“I feel proud. Before the warm-up match, I was in the IPL. I did not get any chances there unfortunately. I played just one warm-up game.

“I know how to carry my body and I just tried to keep it simple. I try to get some wickets if there is some movement or swing. If there is nothing, then I try to go to plan B, not to go for boundaries and keep it simple,” he added.

He now has 12 wickets in the tournament, four more than South African pacer Anrich Nortje, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

To their credit, the Papuans showed a willingness to fight after slipping to 50/7 in the 13th over as Doriga, who topscored with 27, and Alei Nao (13) put on 38 for the eighth wicket before Farooqi, inevitably, separated them.

“They are a really good bowling unit and to give them four easy wickets (run outs), especially mine, which was a bit lazy, didn’t help,” said a remorseful Vala. “I’m really happy though with the way our bowlers have been going. Even though we haven’t put enough runs on the board to help them the execution of their skills and their planning has been outstanding.”

Afghanistan captain Rashid was particularly pleased with the adaptability of his team.

“Feeling great to qualify for the next round. First time for Afghanistan being in Super Eight in T20Is. The boys have done well, adjusting to the conditions very quickly and that is something very pleasing for me,” said skipper Rashid Khan.

“Our players have understood their roles in the team and, more importantly, have been able to adjust quickly to the conditions,” he stated, before praising another fine performance by Farooqi.

“His way of attacking (the batsman) with each and every ball allows us to have a strong base as a bowling unit. In T20 cricket, I think it’s better the more you attack as a bowling unit if the conditions are in your favour.”