Afghanistan has advanced to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, after a decisive win over Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in Trinidad. This victory also resulted in the elimination of New Zealand from the tournament. After bowling out Papua New Guinea for a modest total of 95 runs, Afghanistan’s early struggles were offset by Gulbadin Naib’s undefeated 49 runs, which led them to victory.
On a challenging pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Gulbadin was the only batsman to find his rhythm, striking four boundaries and two sixes in his 36-ball innings. Afghanistan’s seam bowlers, Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-16) and Naveen-ul-Haq (2-4), were instrumental in dismantling Papua New Guinea’s batting lineup.
The collapse began with Farooqi taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries, and then Naveen-ul-Haq further compounded their troubles with two more quick wickets, reducing them to 12-3 in the third over. Papua New Guinea’s situation worsened due to four run-outs, leaving them at 50-7 before wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga’s 27-run effort offered some resistance.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers and Gulbadin Naib’s Composure Secure Super 8 Spot, Eliminate New Zealand
Despite the tricky conditions, Afghanistan managed their chase effectively. They were initially set back at 22-2 in the third over, but Gulbadin Naib’s composed performance ensured they reached the target with 29 balls to spare, marking their third consecutive win.
This victory not only secured Afghanistan’s place in the Super 8s but also marked the end of New Zealand’s campaign. The Black Caps, consistent semi-finalists in the last three T20 tournaments and runners-up in 2021 were unable to progress from Group C after heavy defeats to Afghanistan and the West Indies.
Afghanistan’s bowlers set the foundation for their success. Choosing to bowl first, they quickly took charge by removing key Papua New Guinea batsmen. Captain Assad Vala was run out in the second over, and Farooqi followed up with two wickets in the third over. Naveen-ul-Haq continued the onslaught, dismissing Hiri Hiri and Tony Ura within the powerplay. Although Doriga and Alei Nao added 38 runs later in the innings, Papua New Guinea’s total of 95 was insufficient to challenge Afghanistan.
Afghan Fans Celebrate Team’s Super 8 Qualification and Dominant Bowling Performance
The Afghan fans were ecstatic, celebrating their team’s progress to the Super 8s. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages and praises for the team’s resilience and performance. Fans particularly appreciated the bowlers’ exceptional display, which was crucial in securing the victory. The enthusiasm was palpable as Afghanistan topped Group C, ahead of the West Indies on net run rate, with a crucial match against them in St Lucia looming.
– 6th in the Points Table in ODI World Cup 2023.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 14, 2024
– Qualified into the Super 8 in T20I World Cup 2024.
Jonathan Trott is creating history as a Coach of Afghanistan 👌 pic.twitter.com/nCfgWHSmqY
INDIA vs AFGHANISTAN ON JUNE 20 AT BARBADOS IN SUPER 8…!!!!
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 14, 2024
– It's Rohit Sharma vs Rashid Khan 🌟 pic.twitter.com/t9qifikWPP
India's likely schedule in the Super 8:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 13, 2024
India vs Afghanistan on June 20th.
India vs Bangladesh on June 22nd.
India vs Australia on June 24th. pic.twitter.com/osB3DbhY1X
AFGHANISTAN HAVE QUALIFIED FOR SUPER 8 IN THIS T20 WORLD CUP 2024…!!!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fGDmD35mWR
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 14, 2024
Afghanistan beat PNG and qualified for Super 8. Their first match will be against India 🇮🇳 in Barbados on June 20
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) June 14, 2024
New Zealand Officially knocked out from the T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/8qfFapa4u9
AFGHANISTAN HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE SUPER 8…!!! 🇦🇫
— Abhi tiwari (@AbhiTiw39925637) June 14, 2024
Love too see them in super 8 pic.twitter.com/qo8JjT3zxr
Proud of Afghanistan's performance in the T20 World Cup! They've shown great skill and determination. As they enter the Super 8, I hope they continue to play with the same discipline and passion, against some of the best teams. Let's go, Afghanistan! #T20WorldCup https://t.co/ebuFJKGb5r
— Abdullah Ahmadzai🇦🇫 (@AbdullahAhmadza) June 14, 2024
Our Group in T20 WC Super 8 (most likely)
— Ramaswamy (@viswaguru1964) June 14, 2024
India
Australia
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
First 3 are confirmed. Bangladesh is confirmed almost 90%
In 2017, I predicted that Afghanistan would be a dangerous team for the future.🇦🇫👏
— CricFollow (@CricFollow56) June 14, 2024
AFGHANISTAN QUALIFIED INTO THE SUPER 8…!!! #T20WC24 pic.twitter.com/wpi9YRE5jS
Afghanistan Qualified For Super 8 In The T20 World Cup 2024❤️ pic.twitter.com/dKAEEX39HI
— Ahmad rodi (@Ahmadrodi420) June 14, 2024
New Zealand eliminated
— kariketar (@kariketar) June 14, 2024
Afghanistan is in super 8 #T20worldcup24 #sehwag #NeetScams pic.twitter.com/FlrxGWhaKL
Afghanistan you have literally one job and that is to fuck Aussies in super 8 and take your every fucking kind of revenge, be it odi wc or Aussies opting out of bilaterals. Goooooo https://t.co/qhhpPbay85
— Martan Damdere. (@maarufromdhol) June 14, 2024
Team afghanistan qualify for the super-8, when some prominent team struggling in usa and westindies on the other hand afghani boys playing their dream cricket, i will not be surprise at all when afghani team continue this remarkable journey in upcoming days.
— Navingupta (@NavinGuptaa) June 14, 2024
So the opponents of India are almost decided with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia. Wont be an easy considering the matches being played in Carribean leg now for the Super 8 and you are up against the heavy load spin Asian spinners. #T20WorldCup
— Gagan Thakur (@gagan_gt) June 14, 2024
With their victory over PNG in the last few hours, as I stated below, #Afghanistan has now formally qualified for the #T20WorldCup Super 8 team for the first time. Having qualified for the Super 8 with the USA, India, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and the West Indies, the… https://t.co/TMlLmG9RSn
— Mustafa K. (@MustafaK2012) June 14, 2024
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