AFG vs PNG: Afghanistan beat PNG, qualify for Super 8 stage

Afghanistan secured a significant victory against Papua New Guinea (PNG) by seven wickets, a result that led to New Zealand's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The match took place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, where Afghanistan's win allowed them to progress to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

Chasing a modest target of 95 runs set by PNG, Afghanistan reached the target in 15.1 overs, losing only three wickets. Despite early dismissals of openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (7) and Ibrahim Zadran (0), Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 49 off 36 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, guided Afghanistan to victory.

Earlier, Afghanistan's bowlers delivered a clinical performance, dismissing PNG for a paltry 95 runs in 19.5 overs. PNG's innings faltered early, slipping to 17-4 by the fourth over. Wicketkeeper-batter Kiplin Doriga top-scored for PNG with 27 runs off 32 balls. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, taking 3-16 in his four overs and earning the Player of the Match title.

Farooqi expressed his pride in the team's performance and their qualification for the Super 8 stage, stating, "I want to congratulate the entire team because we have now officially qualified for the Super 8. I feel proud." He emphasized his focus on keeping things simple and adapting to the conditions to maximize his bowling effectiveness.

With this victory, Afghanistan and the West Indies advance from Group C to the Super 8 stage, while PNG and New Zealand are eliminated from the tournament.

### Playing XI:

**Papua New Guinea:**
- Tony Ura
- Assad Vala (c)
- Lega Siaka
- Sese Bau
- Hiri Hiri
- Chad Soper
- Kiplin Doriga (w)
- Norman Vanua
- Alei Nao
- John Kariko
- Semo Kamea

**Afghanistan:**
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Gulbadin Naib
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Najibullah Zadran
- Karim Janat
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Noor Ahmad
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi