ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Afghanistan’s seven-wicket triumph propelled them into the Super 8 stage of the ongoing mega event.
In pursuit of a modest 96-run target, Afghanistan faced an early setback, losing both their opening batsmen within 2.5 overs with just 22 runs on the scoreboard.
Gulbadin Naib steadied Afghanistan’s innings with a 33-run partnership alongside Azmatullah Omarzai (13). However, Norman Vanua’s dismissal of Omarzai halted their progress.
Mohammad Nabi partnered with Naib, and together they crafted an unbeaten 46-run alliance to secure victory for their side.
While Nabi played a stabilizing role, Naib accelerated the chase, ensuring PNG’s hopes of a comeback were quashed as he sealed the game with a six.
Naib remained unbeaten on 49 runs from 36 balls, featuring six boundaries, including two sixes. Nabi contributed 16 runs off 23 deliveries.
For PNG, Vanua, Alei Nao, and Semo Kamea claimed one wicket each.
Opting to bat first, PNG struggled, managing only 95 runs before being bowled out in 19.5 overs. Farooqi made early breakthroughs, taking back-to-back wickets in the third over.
Despite a brief resistance from Kiplin Doriga and Alei Nao, PNG continued to lose wickets rapidly, finding themselves at 50-7 in 12.1 overs.
Doriga top-scored with a gritty 27-run knock from 32 balls, including two boundaries.
Farooqi, with figures of 3-16, and Naveen-ul-Haq, with two wickets for four runs, led Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
