Afghanistan books ticket for World T20

KATHMANDU, July 23: Nawroz Mangal's half century secured Afghanistan's place for next year's World Cup as the South Asian nation thrashed Papua New Guinea by six wickets in Qualifying Play-off of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers.

Nawroz, who smashed unbeaten 65 runs off 56 balls, made the work easier for Afghanistan, which chased the 128-run target losing four wickets with 10 balls to spare. Nawroz smashed three sixes and two fours during the match played in Dublin, Ireland.Afghanistan needed 20 runs in three overs, but PNG bowler Loa Nou conceded 13 runs in the 18th over and Norman Vanua conceded seven runs in first two ball of the 19th over, which was enough for Afghanistan to win the match.

Najibullah Zadran (not out 14 off 6) hit match-winning six in the second ball of the 19th over. Najibullah smashed two sixes.

Skipper Asghar Stanikzai added 22 runs facing 30 balls that included two boundaries for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan started its run chase in a shaky manner losing opener Mohammad Shahzad for a golden duck. However, Nawroz shared a 57 runs stand for the second wicket with Asghar to anchor the innings.

Nawroz also shared 26 runs stand with Samiullah Shenwari (6) and 20 runs with Mohammad Nabi (11 off 9) before adding 23 runs with Najibullah.

Norman and Charles Amini bagged two wickets each for PNG.

Earlier, winning the toss and opting to bat first, PNG put 127/6 in allotted 20 overs after Charles top scored 37 run-a-balls and Norman's 22 runs off 10 balls.

PNG lost five wickets within 12.4 overs with 55 runs on the board. But Charles who remained not out cracked a six and four to share 34 runs stand with Jack Vera (13 off 10) for the sixth wicket and added 38 runs with Norman. Shapoor Zadran claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Nabi, Dawlat Zadran, Mirwais Ashraf and Hamid Hassan bagged one wicket each for Afghanistan.

With the victory Afghanistan became the fifth team to qualify for the World Cup. Earlier, Ireland and Scotland have secured places for the World T20 next year after finishing on top of group A and B respectively. Hong Kong and the Netherlands have also secured their berth in the World Cup.

Nepal crashed out the race from the group stage after finishing at the bottom of group A standings.

Results in Brief
Papua New Guinea 127/6 (20/20 overs)
Afghanistan 128/4 (18.2/20 overs)
Afghanistan won by 6 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)

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