Afghanistan will lock horns against Papua New Guinea in the 29th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday. The Afghan team is in a commanding position with two wins in as many games. The Rashid Khan-led team had stunned New Zealand by 84 runs in the last game after hammering Uganda by 125 runs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been in terrific form for Afghanistan as he has scored 156 runs in two matches, which is the most in the tournament so far. Furthermore, Ibrahim Zadran has scored 117 runs in two matches and thus the Afghan openers have given solid starts to their team.

On the other hand, Afghanistan has also ticked the right boxes with the ball. Fazalhaq Farooqi has scalped nine wickets in two matches and he is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Moreover, Rashid Khan has led from the front as he has bagged six wickets in two games.

West Indies have secured their Super 8 qualification and if Afghanistan beats PNG, they will also seal their place in the next stage as New Zealand will be knocked out.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea have lost both of their games against Uganda and West Indies and they will have their work cut out against Afghanistan.

Match Prediction: Afghanistan will definitely enter the contest as favorites against Papua New Guinea.

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 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.

Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura