T20 World Cup 2024: Papua New Guinea vs Afghanistan, 29th Match - Who Said What?

The Oceania minnows Papua New Guinea (PNG) clashed with the rising Asian side  Afghanistan (AFG) in Match 29 of the T20 World Cup 2024 mega cricket extravaganza. Notably, the exciting fixture took place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on (Friday) June 14.

Team Afghanistan dashed into the Super Eight round after avoiding a slight scare during the run chase against Papua New Guinea. Skipper Rashid Khan called it right at the toss and decided to have a go with the ball first. the Afghan Atlans showed some magnificent seam bowling and also remained sharp in the field which kept the minnows silent for most of the game.

As a result, PNG were folded for 95 runs thereby making it an easy task for the Afghans to start their run chase. Kiplin Doriga showed some resistance as he was the top scorer (27 off 32) for his side. Skipper Assad Vala did not have the best of the day and fell victim to a runout in the second over of the innings. Interestingly, the runout fest continued as Chad Soper (9), Norman Vanua (0), and Semo Kamea (2) too followed suit and did not trouble the scorers much.

While speaking of Afghanistan, pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi extended his sublime run with the ball and claimed a three-wicket (3/16) haul while Naveen ul Haq (2/4) remained frugal during his bowling spell. In the spin department, Noor Ahmed took a sole wicket (1/14) to show his name in the wickets column.

During the run chase, Afghanistan openers Ibrahim Zadran ( and Rahmanullah Gurbaz failed to get going as PNG's Kamea cleaned up Zadran for a duck. Soon Gurbaz too got out in a similar fashion and got bowled to Nao. Interestingly, this was also the first time in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 that the pair did not register a century stand. However, Gulbadin Naib had other ideas and made light work of the target as he played a blazing knock along with Azmatullah Omarzai as the duo put up a 33-run stand off 35 balls, to seal the game for the spirited Asian side by seven wickets, without letting the game slip away from them any further. Besides, as a result of their winning run, New Zealand have been ousted from the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Also Check: Also Check: T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table

Papua New Guinea vs Afghanistan, Match 29 - Who Said What?

Fazalhaq Farooqi, Player of the Match:

"I want to congratulate the entire team because we have now officially qualified (for the Super Eight). I feel proud. Before the warm-up match, I was in the IPL. I did not get any chances there unfortunately. I played just one warm-up game. I know how to carry my body and I just tried to keep it simple. I try to get some wickets if there is some movement or swing. If there is nothing, then I try to go to plan B, not go for boundaries and keep it simple. We have to give our 100% and we will try our best to do it in the last match as well. (On Rashid trying to interrupt him during this interview) He is trying to make me laugh but I am not laughing (smiles)."

Assad Vala, Losing Captain:

"They are a really good bowling team and to give them four easy wickets with four run-outs, especially my run-out, that was a bit lazy. (On assessing the conditions) It has been challenging for every team. We spoke about trying to give ourselves a chance and then launch at the end, something we learnt from Rutherford the other day. We could not execute unfortunately but they bowled well too. I am really happy with the way the bowlers have been going. We have not put up enough runs for them to defend. The execution of their skills and their planning has been really good. Ale has been good with the new ball, Kamea bowled beautifully. We created a few opportunities but we could not hold on. It is a challenge, getting the exposure against quality quick bowlers. We do not face these bowlers in Associate cricket."

Rashid Khan, Winning Captain:

"Feeling great to qualify for the next round. First time for Afghanistan being in Super Eight in T20Is. The boys have done well, adjusting to the conditions very quickly and that is something very pleasing for me. It is very important to have someone like him (Farooqi), and it helps you later as well if you get a couple of wickets. The more you attack when there is help for you, the better it is for you. Even if the batter is attacking, you have to attack as well. We are lucky to have him in our side. (On Afghanistan's middle order) We are happy the way the openers played in the first two games. But middle order is all in form and they just need more time. Sometimes, it is hard in T20s when you have just 15-18 balls. It is hard to hit from ball one in these conditions. In the domestic competition, they were also scoring runs. If they get more opportunities, they will perform and give their best for the team. (On now travelling to St. Lucia) That is the beauty of playing franchise cricket, you have an idea about the wicket. Most of the guys, like Nabi, Gurbaz played in St. Lucia and we have to share that experience with the guys who have not played much (there). It is about playing your natural cricket in those conditions. We will not change our brand of cricket, and it is about how we will play that brand in those conditions. Everyone has that ability to adjust to the conditions quickly and hopefully we will have a good game there as well."