10:05pm Another team has failed to breach the 100-run mark against Afghanistan at this year's T20 World Cup. Farooqi set the tone early, with two wickets in his second over, which was preceded by Vala's very avoidable run-out. Naveen then followed up with a peach to dismiss Ura. That firmly broke the back of the PNG innings and they did not help themselves with their calamitous running between the wickets.
Afghanistan gave away 25 extras, which was a lot on this surface. That PNG were still unable to get past 100 illustrates how and where it all went wrong. Doriga was the only batter to cross 20 and while he was at the crease alongside Nao, it felt 100 was within reach. He fell to Noor, though, and that meant PNG were ultimately bundled out for 95.
This score does not seem enough, even on a surface that has something in it for the bowlers, and it will be a real surprise if Afghanistan cannot get the job done. Join us in a bit for the run-chase!
Naveen-ul-Haq: (What getting to 50 T20I wickets means) It is an honour to play for your country and get fifty wickets. Hopefully more to come. Nice, small landmark to achieve at an ICC event. There was a bit of movement so I wanted to pitch the ball up and make the most of the movement. If you see Fazalhaq, he swings the ball, Azmatullah can also bowl (with the new ball). We have spinners as well who can bowl with the new ball. (On the score) Can't say anything about the game. It is a funny game and hopefully we can chase this down.
SI Kamea run out 2 (7m 3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
One big hit will take PNG past 100. Can Kariko produce it?
Around the wicket now
Naveen to bowl the final over. Can PNG get past 100? Kamea on strike
END OF OVER:19 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | PNG: 94/9 | RR: 4.94
- John Kariko4 (4b)
- Semo Kamea1 (1b)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi4-0-16-3
- Noor Ahmad4-0-14-1
Kamea is the last batter in
A Nao c Rashid Khan b Fazalhaq Farooqi 13 (25m 19b 2x4 0x6) SR: 68.42
Farooqi to bowl the penultimate over
END OF OVER:18 | 7 Runs 1 Wkt | PNG: 89/8 | RR: 4.94
- John Kariko0 (1b)
- Alei Nao13 (17b)
- Noor Ahmad4-0-14-1
- Rashid Khan4-0-25-0
A top spell by Noor and he has strengthened his case for a permanent gig, even when Mujeeb is back fit
Kariko joins Nao. Noor goes over the wicket to the left-hander. Slip in place
K Doriga lbw b Noor Ahmad 27 (46m 32b 2x4 0x6) SR: 84.37
Around the wicket again
Back to over the wicket
Around the wicket now
Doriga is now just two runs away from becoming PNG's highest contributor this innings (overtaking extras). Noor to bowl his final over
END OF OVER:17 | 3 Runs | PNG: 82/7 | RR: 4.82
- Alei Nao12 (16b)
- Kiplin Doriga22 (28b)
- Rashid Khan4-0-25-0
- Noor Ahmad3-0-7-0
This partnership is ticking along nicely for PNG. Can they somehow get up to 110-120? Afghanistan will not be happy with how the last twenty minutes or so have gone. Rashid to bowl out
