(Cricket Afghanistan)
Afghanistan showcased their rising prowess as unexpected contenders in the 2024 T20 World Cup with a convincing seven-wicket triumph over Papua New Guinea on Thursday. This victory propelled them into the Super Eight phase of the competition while simultaneously eliminating New Zealand.
Fazalhaq Farooqi continued his impressive form, adding three more wickets to his leading tally in the tournament. PNG struggled, getting bundled out for 95 runs in 19.5 overs during their batting innings at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
Although Afghanistan faced an early hiccup in their chase, losing both openers for minimal runs for the first time in the tournament, they eventually reached the target in the 16th over, losing only three wickets. Gulbadin Naib, who was given a lifeline when dropped on nine, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 49, supported by Mohammad Nabi. The duo formed an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 46 runs, guiding Afghanistan to a total of 101-3 in 15.1 overs.
This outcome solidifies Afghanistan’s spot, along with hosts West Indies, in the next tournament phase. Meanwhile, it marks the end of the road for New Zealand, who still have two group matches remaining.
Farooqi’s left-arm pace spearheaded Afghanistan’s bowling attack once again, claiming quick wickets, including two crucial ones after PNG captain Assad Vala’s unfortunate run-out in the second over. Additional run-outs further dented PNG’s hopes, with Farooqi returning in the 19th over to secure another scalp, ending with figures of three wickets for 16 runs. A fourth run-out concluded PNG’s innings.
“I just keep it simple and stay with my strengths,” said Farooqi after receiving the ‘Man of the Match’ award. “If conditions are helpful for me I’m going for wickets. We just want to keep on giving 100 percent in every match we play.”
With a tally of 12 wickets in the tournament, he leads by four wickets, surpassing the trio of South African pacer Anrich Nortje, West Indies’ fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
Despite a challenging situation where they were at 50 for seven in the 13th over, the Papua New Guinean team demonstrated resilience. Kiplin Doriga, who contributed the highest score of 27, along with Alei Nao, showcased determination by adding 38 runs for the eighth wicket partnership. However, as expected, Farooqi intervened, breaking their partnership.
“They are a really good bowling unit and to give them four easy wickets , especially mine, which was a bit lazy, didn’t help,” said a remorseful Vala. “I’m really happy though with the way our bowlers have been going. Even though we haven’t put enough runs on the board to help them the execution of their skills and their planning has been outstanding.”
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid expressed particular satisfaction with his team’s ability to adapt to various situations.
“Our players have understood their roles in the team and, more importantly, have been able to adjust quickly to the conditions,” he stated, before praising another fine performance by Farooqi.
“His way of attacking with each and every ball allows us to have a strong base as a bowling unit. In T20 cricket, I think it’s better the more you attack as a bowling unit if the conditions are in your favour.”
