Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea | The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has witnessed its fair share of thrilling encounters, and the match between Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea (PNG) on June 14, 2024, was no exception. Held at the iconic Brian Lara Cricket Academy in the Caribbean, this fixture not only solidified Afghanistan’s dominance in Group C but also brought an end to PNG’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
Match Summary
- Toss and Decision: Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first.
- Inning 1 (PNG Batting): Papua New Guinea scored 95 runs for 10 wickets in 19.5 overs. Notable performances included K. Doriga’s 26 runs and A. Nao’s 13 runs.
- Inning 2 (AFG Batting): Afghanistan chased down the target, scoring 101 runs for 3 wickets in 15.1 overs. Gulbadin Naib’s unbeaten 49 was crucial in securing the victory.
- Player of the Match: F. Farooqi from Afghanistan, who took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4.0 overs.
- Result: Afghanistan won by 7 wickets.
Afghanistan Secures Unbeaten Streak and Second Round Berth
Afghanistan entered the match with a perfect record in the tournament so far, having won their previous encounters convincingly. Against PNG, they continued their winning streak with a comprehensive performance that showcased their prowess in both batting and bowling.
From the outset, Afghanistan opted to field first after winning the toss—a departure from their usual strategy of batting first in previous matches. This decision immediately paid dividends as their bowlers struck early, putting PNG on the back foot. Fazalhaq Farooqi was instrumental in the early breakthroughs, effecting a run out and picking up crucial wickets in his spell. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution to Afghanistan’s cause.
Papua New Guinea’s Struggle and Afghanistan’s Fielding Prowess
PNG, after being put in to bat, found themselves in dire straits early in the innings. Despite a brisk start, they lost wickets at regular intervals, hampered by Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The Barramundis, as PNG is fondly known, struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for a modest total of 95 runs. Afghanistan’s fielding was particularly noteworthy, with PNG suffering from a total of six run outs—the highest by any team in the tournament—a testament to Afghanistan’s sharpness and agility in the field.
Afghanistan’s Chase and Gulbadin Naib’s Heroics
Chasing a target of 96 runs for victory, Afghanistan faced early setbacks as PNG’s bowlers struck early to remove both openers. However, Gulbadin Naib anchored the innings with a responsible knock, guiding Afghanistan closer to the target with each passing over. Naib’s innings was a blend of caution and aggression, as he maneuvered the chase expertly, ensuring Afghanistan stayed ahead of the required run rate.
The middle overs saw Afghanistan consolidate their position, despite losing a few more wickets. Naib’s innings gathered momentum after the drinks break, where he accelerated the scoring with timely boundaries and a crucial six that signaled Afghanistan’s imminent victory. His unbeaten 49 off 36 balls was pivotal in Afghanistan’s successful chase, as they reached the target of 96 runs in the 16th over with seven wickets in hand.
Score Board | Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea: 95 all out from 19.5 overs
- Top scorer: Kiplin Doriga (27 off 32 balls)
- Key bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-16), Naveen-ul-Haq (2-4)
- Afghanistan: 101-3 in 15.1 overs
- Top scorer: Gulbadin Naib (49 not out from 36 balls)
- Mohammad Nabi contributed with 16 not out from 23 balls
Standout Performances | Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz dominated with the bat, scoring 49 runs off 36 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): Farooqi led the bowling attack, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in his 4 overs.
- Assad Vala (Papua New Guinea): Vala played a crucial role in Papua New Guinea’s innings, contributing 13 runs off 19 balls.
These performances played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match.
Conclusion: Afghanistan’s Path Ahead
With this win, Afghanistan not only confirmed their spot in the second round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but also reinforced their status as serious contenders for the title. Their consistent performances with both bat and ball, coupled with exceptional fielding, make them a team to watch out for as the tournament progresses.
Looking forward, Afghanistan will face fellow qualifiers West Indies in a preparatory match on June 18, 2024. Both teams have already secured their berths in the next stage, where the competition is expected to intensify further.
In summary, the Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea encounter on June 14, 2024, was a showcase of Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess and PNG’s resilience amidst challenging circumstances. It underscored the competitive spirit and excitement that the T20 format brings to global cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling matches as the tournament unfolds.
