Afghanistan cement spot in second round with testing triumph over ...

PNG wasn’t about to give up without a fight, removing both openers inside the first three overs.

They made the going tough for Afghanistan, creating a couple more half-chances, daring to believe. The Afghans finished the Powerplay 39/2, as their plan to end things quickly underwent some minor recalibration.

Despite another wicket in the ninth over, Afghanistan ground their way closer to victory, led by Gulbadin Naib. They made it to 59/3 at the midpoint of the innings, still comfortably in front of a run-a-ball requirement.

Naib put the foot down after drinks, finding the boundary another three times, which included a match-sealing six straight back over the bowler’s head. He finished at 49* off 36 balls to top-score for Afghanistan, who completed the chase 101/3 at the start of the 16th over.

They’ll play fellow qualifiers West Indies in a tune-up fixture on June 18, having both already secured tickets to the next stage of the tournament.