New Zealand crash out of T20 World Cup after Afghanistan defeat PNG
Afghanistan defeated Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in Match 29 of the T20 World Cup 2024, knocking New Zealand out of the tournament. After deciding to bowl first, Afghanistan dismissed PNG for 95 in 19.5 overs. Afghanistan responded by chasing the target in 15.1 overs.
As a result, Afghanistan advanced to the Super 8 stage of the competition, defeating New Zealand in the process. The Kane Wiliamson-led side had a poor start to the tournament, losing their first match against Afghanistan by 84 runs.
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They then lost by 13 runs to the West Indies, putting them on the edge of being eliminated. The Kiwis are currently positioned last in Group C, with a net run rate of -2.425. The previous edition’s semi-finalists will attempt to end the tournament with victories over Uganda and PNG in their remaining matches.
Returning to the Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea match, PNG lost their skipper, Assad Vala (3 off 2), in the second over due to an unfortunate run out. Fazalhaq Farooqi (3/16) struck again with the new ball, dismissing Lega Siaka and Sese Bau on consecutive deliveries for golden ducks.
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Naveen ul Haq (2/4, 2.5 overs) also joined the party, taking two quick wickets to leave the opponents reeling at 30/5. Kiplin Dogra, the wicketkeeper, did his utmost to stabilize the innings with a knock of 27 (32).
However, Noor Ahmad trapped him in front of the stumps in the 18th over. PNG had four run outs in their innings, and were eventually hustled out for 95 in 19.5 overs.
In response, Afghanistan lost openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11 off 7) and Ibrahim Zadran (0 off 7) with only 22 runs scored. Azmatullah Omarzai (13 off 18) also left cheaply, leaving his team with 55/3.
Following his wicket, Gulbadin Naib (49* off 36) and Mohammad Nabi (16* off 23) brought their team home in 15.1 overs, securing a seven-wicket victory and qualifying for the Super 8s.
