With the T20 World Cup heating up, Afghanistan, fresh off their dominating win against New Zealand, lock horns with Papua New Guinea in a crucial Group C fixture at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Interestingly, this match also holds immense importance for New Zealand as well, as their World Cup hopes hinge on Afghanistan’s result.
Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea Head-to-Head
While the two teams haven’t met in many games, Afghanistan holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record against Papua New Guinea. Their only encounter in a T20I back in 2015 saw Afghanistan emerge victorious by a convincing six-wicket margin. They haven’t played any ODI game between each other.
Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea Team News
Afghanistan will be brimming with confidence after their upset win over New Zealand. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be looking to continue their explosive form, while the middle-order boasts the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the firepower of Najibullah Zadran. The bowling attack, led by the wily skipper Rashid Khan and the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi, will be keen to maintain their stranglehold.
Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, will be aiming to cause a major upset. Veteran batsman Tony Ura and the hard-hitting Charles Amini will be their key men with the bat. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by the experienced Kabua Morea will need to be at their absolute best to restrict the Afghanistan batting line-up.
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Afghanistan vs PNG, Brian Lara Stadium Pitch Report
As with the West Indies vs New Zealand match, this encounter will also be played on the batting-friendly Brian Lara Stadium pitch. Short boundaries on both sides will entice big-hitters, while pacers will definitely find some assistance early in the innings. The average first-innings score here after 4 T20 internationals is 185.
Afghanistan vs PNG Weather Report
Sunny skies and hot and humid Caribbean weather are expected during the match. This might favor the team batting first and putting up a big total. Similar to the previous match, there is a minimal chance of rain (5%). The match will commence at 8:30 pm local time.
Afghanistan vs PNG Predicted XIs
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan(c), Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Papua New Guinea
Tony Ura, Assad Vala(c), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga(w), Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, John Kariko
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