Afghanistan delivered an impressive bowling performance, defeating Papua New Guinea by seven wickets to advance to the Super Eight Stage of the T20 World Cup. With three wins from as many matches, Afghanistan joined tournament co-hosts West Indies in the Super Eight. This also led to an early exit for 2021 finalists New Zealand, who suffered two consecutive losses.
Naveen-ul-Haq was the standout bowler, returning with figures of 2/4 from 2.5 overs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 3/16, taking his tally to 12 wickets in the tournament as Afghanistan bowled out PNG for 95 runs in 19.5 overs.
In response, Afghanistan overcame early jitters and reached the target in 15.1 overs, with Gulabdin Naib anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 49 off 36 balls.
Brief Scores: Papua New Guinea 95 all out in 19.5 overs (Kiplin Doriga 27, Alei Nao 13; Fazalhaq Farooqi 3/16, Naveen-ul-Haq 2/4) Afghanistan 101/3 in 15.1 overs (Gulabdin Naib 49 not out)
