Afghanistan clinched their spot in the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on Thursday, simultaneously ending New Zealand’s slim chances of advancing in the tournament.
The Afghan team, having previously defeated New Zealand by 84 runs in Georgetown, once again demonstrated their formidable all-round capabilities. This latest triumph confirmed their potential to challenge any opponent in the competition.
Afghanistan’s bowling unit, led by the exceptional left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, has been instrumental in their success. For the third consecutive match, they restricted their opponents to under 100 runs, dismissing Papua New Guinea for a mere 95. Notably, four Papuan batsmen were run out, reflecting the pressure applied by the Afghan fielding.
This comprehensive performance highlights Afghanistan’s growing prowess in international cricket and sets the stage for an exciting Super Eight phase.
