Afghanistan is all set to square off against Papua New Guinea in Match 29 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on June 14 at 06:00 AM IST. New Zealand will be cheering for PNG as their Super Eight hopes depend on PNG beating Afghanistan. Afghanistan has made a solid start to their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. After defeating Uganda in the opening match, they secured a crucial victory against New Zealand, placing them in a comfortable position to advance to the Super Eight stage.

Afghanistan eyes Super Eight spot against PNG with a chance to knock out New Zealand

The Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan are on a three-match winning streak, including a warm-up game against Scotland. In their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Uganda, the side registered a massive 125-run win. In their previous match against mighty New Zealand, the Afghan team dismissed the Kiwis for just 75 runs, successfully defending their total of 159 runs. They won the game by 84 runs, boosting their net run rate (NRR) to +5.225.

Meanwhile, Asad Vala's Papua New Guinea team is on a four-match losing streak, which includes two warm-up games against Oman and Namibia. In their first group game, they faced former champions West Indies. However, they failed to defend their total of 136 runs and eventually suffered a five-wicket defeat. In their recent game against Uganda, PNG had a terrible outing with the bat as they were bowled out for just 77 runs. Uganda successfully chased down the target and won by three wickets.

The sluggish conditions in Tarouba could even out the competition, even though Afghanistan is ideally suited for such conditions. PNG has a variety of medium-pacers and spinners who will be aiming to make an impact at the Brian Lara Stadium. Additionally, they will have the support of numerous New Zealand fans hoping for their success, as the Blackcaps' chances of advancing to the Super Eight stage depend on them defeating Afghanistan. Talking about the Super Eight qualification scenario, New Zealand is on the edge of the sword after their shocking defeat against West Indies.

AFG vs PNG Match 29: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad Weather and Pitch Report

Known for its batsman-friendly conditions, the Brian Lara Stadium has an average first-innings score of 185. However, the surface in Tarouba behaved sluggishly during the recent West Indies vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2024 group match. Due to rain before the game, some deliveries outside the off stump stayed alarmingly low, making it difficult to hit straight. With the forecast predicting rain for Friday's game, the pitch is expected to become drier, aiding more spin. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first due to the presence of dew. The good news for cricket fans is that heavy showers are not expected. While the city will experience showers in some areas, most of the region will remain rain-free.

Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI

Much of their success this year can be attributed to their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. They scored 154 runs against Uganda and 103 against New Zealand, with Gurbaz achieving fifties in both matches. The middle order has not spent enough time in the middle, which could be against them, as it was when they lost 6 wickets for 55 runs after their opening partnership against New Zealand. Mujeeb Ur Rahman missed the last game with a hand injury. If he is fit, he may replace Noor Ahmad, who only bowled one over against New Zealand.

AFG Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi.

Predicted Papua New Guinea Playing XI

With former West Indies World Cup-winning coach Phil Simmons observing from the bench in his consultant role, PNG narrowly missed securing their first win at this level. Seamer Norman Vanua holds the record for PNG's most wickets in T20Is. The team felt his absence in the opening game of the tournament. But he made a successful return against Uganda, taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in the game. With PNG hoping for their first win in the competition, all attention will again be on Vanua. Expect PNG to field an unchanged team.

PNG Playing XI

Assad Vala (C), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.

Assad Vala (C), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.