AP News – Afghanistan secured its place in the next round, and ended New Zealand’s hopes of progressing, with a seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Group C in the later match.
Gulbadin Naib made the most of his reprieve — he was dropped by the wicketkeeper on 9 with the total at 32-2 — to finish unbeaten on 49 and guide Afghanistan to 101-3 in reply to Papua New Guinea’s 95.
With its third consecutive win in the tournament, Afghanistan joined co-host West Indies in the next stage.
Those teams meet Monday to determine top spot in the group.Papua New Guinea slumped to its third straight loss, struggling to make 95 after losing skipper Assad Vala to a needless run out in the second over. He failed to slide his bat in the crease, and it was the first of four run-outs in the innings.
Fazalhaq Farooqi (3-16) took wickets with the first and second deliveries of his second over, the third of the match.
Kiplin Doriga (27 from 32 deliveries) was the only batter to score more than 13, while the 25 extras — 13 wides and 12 leg-byes — was the second-biggest contributor to PNG’s total.
