Papua New Guinea last faced Afghanistan in T20 cricket back in 2015 and were comfortably dismissed for 50-7. Now after 17 overs they stand 92-8 with Kipling Doriga and Alei Nao both contributing 32 runs at the top.
Fazalhaq Farooqi has made swift work of the PNG middle-order, taking two wickets in his opening over and leaving them reeling on their heels. Naveen-ul-Haq joins Fazalhaq Farooqi by also taking one wicket during his initial over.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Papua New Guinea National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard.
Top Players – Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea (June 13, 2024)
| Category | Afghanistan | Papua New Guinea |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batter | Gulbadin Naib – 49* (36 balls) | Kiplin Doriga – 27 (32 balls) |
| Top Bowler | Fazalhaq Farooqi – 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs | Alei Nao – 1 wicket for 26 runs in 4 overs |
| Support Bowler | Naveen-ul-Haq – 2 wickets for 4 runs in 2.5 overs | Semo Kamea – 1 wicket for 16 runs in 3 overs |
| All-Round Contribution | Azmatullah Omarzai – 13 runs; 2 overs, 5 runs conceded | Assad Vala – 3 runs; involved in a run-out |
| Player of the Match | Fazalhaq Farooqi |
Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea
Afghanistan bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq were devastating against Papua New Guinea, dismantling their top order and leaving the hosts reeling at 17/4. Within three overs alone they struck key blows such as captain Assad Vala’s wicket to an elementary error by Lega Siaka and Sese Bau being dismissed for golden ducks while Hiri Hiri and Tony Ura also succumbing to run outs as miscommunication and schoolboy failure left them scrambling.
Afghanistan have demonstrated tremendous grit and resilience throughout both of their opening games, yet will know that the final is of paramount importance and must not relax their guard against an aggressive Papua New Guinea side led by Kane Williamson. They were easily outclassed by Bangladesh in their opener before falling to West Indies later that same day – meaning it appears likely they may exit early from this World Cup tournament.
Afghan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and instructed Papua New Guinea to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran both fell victim to runouts within one over, and their middle order struggled against some exceptional bowling from Afghan captain Hamid Gul.
Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai have provided their team with some much-needed stability with some smart batting, and are helping the hosts inch closer towards their target of 95 runs. Naib has reached 49 from 36 balls with one six and two fours while Omarzai has passed 30.
Papua New Guinea failed in their second review, as Mohammad Nabi’s pads hit and returned for an incorrect decision – this was a big setback for New Zealand, who insisted the ball was hitting their stumps.
Papua New Guinea are making every attempt at self-destruction here, after losing opener Assad Vala in the second over due to a mix-up and schoolboy failure to ground his bat, Chad Soper is run out for similar reasons in the fourth over, Kipling Doriga gets his hand to it but it hits his pads instead and out goes Kipling Doriga for a golden duck innings.
Mohammad Nabi has shown great patience and precision while running between the wickets, helping his team recover from an early collapse. Unfortunately they remain some way short of their target, meaning only victory will secure this tournament for hosts Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Their moisture-laden surface promises plenty of spin bowling while fast bowlers could also feature.