Afghanistan continued to assert their status as dark horses in the 2024 T20 World Cup with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Thursday. This win not only propelled Afghanistan into the Super Eight phase of the tournament but also knocked New Zealand out of contention.
Fazalhaq Farooqi further bolstered his leading wicket-taker status in the tournament, claiming three more victims as PNG faltered to a meagre 95 all out in 19.5 overs after being put in to bat at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
Facing the modest target, Afghanistan encountered early setbacks, losing both openers cheaply for the first time in the tournament. However, they recovered steadily and reached the target of 96 with ease, losing only three wickets in the process by the 16th over.
Gulbadin Naib played a pivotal role, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 49, supported by Mohammad Nabi's 16 not out. Their unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 46 runs ensured Afghanistan finished at 101-3 in just 15.1 overs, sealing their third consecutive victory in the group stage.