Afghanistan delivered another impressive bowling display to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Papua New Guinea at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. This win confirmed Afghanistan’s place in the Super 8s and simultaneously eliminated New Zealand from contention, with the West Indies already securing their spot after defeating New Zealand.
Key to Victory
Afghanistan's success was rooted in their strong performance during the power play, a recurring theme in their recent matches. They dismantled PNG's batting line up, leaving them struggling at 30/5 after just six overs. The collapse continued, reaching 50/7, and if not for a brief resistance from Kiplin Doriga and Alei Nao, the situation could have been far worse. Despite a somewhat challenging chase, Afghanistan achieved their target with relative ease.
Papua New Guinea
Power play: Overwhelmed by Pace
Phase Score: 30/5 (Run Rate: 5.00; Boundaries: 1 Four / 0 Sixes)
The initial phase of PNG’s innings began quietly, with Fazalhaq Farooqi’s first over giving little indication of the impending collapse. Tony Ura managed a crisp square cut off Mohammad Nabi’s first ball, but a fluke run-out soon gave Afghanistan their first wicket as Assad Vala was caught short of the crease. Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq then took advantage, each taking two wickets with the new ball, exploiting the movement and uneven bounce to decimate PNG’s top order.
Middle Overs: Run Outs Compound PNG's Troubles
Phase Score: 46/2 (Run Rate: 5.18; Boundaries: 3 Fours / 0 Sixes)
As the ball softened, PNG managed to stabilise somewhat and even kept Rashid Khan wicketless, scoring some runs off him. However, two crucial run-outs further dented their innings. Chad Soper fell to a poor running decision, and Norman Vanua was unlucky as his bat got stuck, preventing him from making his ground. Despite some contributions from Doriga and Nao, aided by several extras, PNG struggled to post a competitive total.
Death Overs: A Swift Conclusion
Phase Score: 19/3 (Run Rate: 3.93; Boundaries: 2 Fours / 0 Sixes)
With only two wickets left, PNG had little hope of significantly boosting their score towards the end. Their only goal was to reach a triple-figure score, but they fell just short.
Afghanistan
Power play: Uncharacteristic Wobbles
Phase Score: 39/2 (Run Rate: 6.50; Boundaries: 3 Fours / 1 Six)
Afghanistan’s innings started unusually shaky, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran departing early due to rash shots, both trying to clear the boundary but instead getting bowled. PNG’s new-ball bowlers did well to keep it tight and restrict easy scoring. Kiplin Doriga missed a chance to further exploit this, dropping a simple catch off Gulbadin Naib, which could have put more pressure on Afghanistan.
Middle Overs: Naib Steers Afghanistan to Victory
Phase Score: 62/1 (Run Rate: 6.77; Boundaries: 4 Fours / 2 Sixes)
With a modest target in front of them, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai had the luxury of pacing their innings. Although Omarzai was unlucky to be dismissed by a delivery that barely rolled onto his stumps, Naib played solidly. Partnering with Mohammad Nabi, Naib guided Afghanistan to victory with 29 balls remaining, as they comfortably reached the target.
Match Summary
Papua New Guinea: 95 in 19.5 overs (Top Scorer: Kiplin Doriga 27; Best Bowler: Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-16, Naveen-ul-Haq 2-4)
Afghanistan: 101/3 in 15.1 overs (Top Scorer: Gulbadin Naib 49*; Best Bowler: Semo Kamea 1-16)
Result: Afghanistan won by seven wickets
Next Fixtures
Afghanistan will face West Indies in their final group match, a game that holds no further consequence, as both teams have already qualified for the Super 8s. Papua New Guinea will take on New Zealand in their last match of the tournament.