Afghanistan’s men cricket team has booked their place into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s after a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Rashid Papua New Guinea.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss, chose to field first in their match against Papua New Guinea. Wickets fall frequently which makes it difficult for Papua New Guinea to gain momentum.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq, who restricted PNG from scoring too many runs.
Moreover, a fighting knock from Kiplin Doriga saw PNG restricted to a total of 95 runs.
Afghanistan had a wobbly start with two openers being dismissed at 22/2 but Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai put up a good partnership before Naib joined forces with Mohammad Nabi and propelled Afghanistan towards victory.
Naib nearly made his half-century as he took Afghanistan closer to the target and helped them achieve the victory within 15.1 overs.
Rashid Khan feels that the team had done well as planned and followed strategy for success.
“Feeling great to qualify for the next round. Great effort from the boys since game one. They know what they to do and have executed beautifully, making things easy for me. It is important to have someone like Gurbaz who goes out and takes on the bowling or Farooqi who picks up wickets in the powerplay. If the batter is attacking then as a bowler you have to attack too especially with pitches helping you,” said Rashid Khan, Afghanistan captain.”
“We had domestic tournament before coming here so everyone is in form. That is advantage of franchise cricket because you know your conditions some of them have played St Lucia before so they know how pitch will play that might help others. All are capable enough to adjust with any condition and hopefully we will win that game (against West Indies) as well,” attributing their readiness to a domestic tournament played prior to the World Cup, he added.
Player of the Match went to Fazalhaq Farooqi for his impactful bowling. Besides this victory Afghanistan also prevented West Indies from continuing in the competition, making it their third straight win in the tournament and a place in Super Eights.
