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The stage is set at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy for a pivotal encounter between Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea in the ICC T20I World Cup 2024. For Afghanistan, this match holds immense significance as they aim to secure a spot in the Super 8 stage after falling short in the past two editions at the Super 12 stage.
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan has showcased impressive form in the tournament so far, securing comprehensive victories in their opening matches. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a standout performer with the bat, accumulating 116 runs in his last two innings, providing a strong foundation for Afghanistan’s big scores. In the bowling department, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan have been exceptional, with both players delivering impactful performances.
Predicted Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Papua New Guinea Preview
Papua New Guinea enters this match after a disappointing start to their campaign, failing to register a win and struggling at the bottom of Group C. Their batting faltered significantly, evident from their collapse to just 77 runs against Uganda. Assad Vala remains a crucial player, contributing both with the bat and ball, but overall, the team faces an uphill task against Afghanistan.
Predicted Playing XI: Assad Vala (c), Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Hiri Hiri, Charles Amini, Kiplin Doriga, Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, John Kariko
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago promises a favorable pitch with consistent bounce, ideal for batsmen to post competitive totals. Despite partly cloudy conditions, the pitch should hold up well for the duration of the match, providing opportunities for both spinners and seamers to exploit.
Toss Prediction: To Bat
Winning Prediction
Afghanistan enters this match as overwhelming favorites, backed by their strong performances and a robust squad. With aspirations to advance further in the tournament, Afghanistan will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure another convincing victory. Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to challenge Afghanistan’s dominance.
Prediction: Afghanistan to clinch a commanding win