Trinidad, June 14 : Afghanistan waltzed into the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup with a waltz-like chase, dismantling Papua New Guinea by a comfortable seven wickets at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium. This serene victory wasn't just for Afghanistan's bragging rights; it sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, effectively ending New Zealand's World Cup dreams.

The Black Caps, already reeling from an opening loss to Afghanistan and a recent defeat to the West Indies, were mathematically knocked out of contention. Their remaining fixtures against Uganda and PNG become mere formalities, a stark contrast to the high-stakes drama unfolding elsewhere in the tournament.

Low Target, Dominant Chase

Set a paltry 96 for victory, Afghanistan's chase resembled a training session more than a high-pressure World Cup encounter. Gulbadin Naib, the unlikely hero of the day, stroked an unhurried 49 off just 36 deliveries. His 41-run partnership with the ever-reliable Mohammad Nabi (16 off 23) ensured Afghanistan barely broke a sweat.

Early hiccups with openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed cheaply for the first time did little to derail the juggernaut. The middle order, with Naib and Mohammad Naib (16*) at the helm, efficiently steered the chase home. Even a brief rain shower couldn't dampen Afghanistan's spirits, as Naib sealed the victory with a flamboyant six, leaving 30 balls unused on the scoreboard.

PNG's Missed Opportunity

While PNG's bowlers displayed commendable discipline, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by a meager total. An additional 30-40 runs on the board could have presented a more formidable challenge. Only three of their batsmen managed double-digit scores, with a glimmer of hope emerging from a late 38-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Lethal Bowling & Favorable Conditions

Afghanistan's bowling attack, a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament, continued its impressive streak. They restricted PNG to scores of 58, 75, and now 95, with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the charge with a tournament-high 12 wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq (2/4) provided able support, while the dew settling in midway through the PNG innings further aided Afghanistan's chase.

This match, a masterclass in effortless dominance by Afghanistan, throws the T20 World Cup wide open. With New Zealand out and the Super 8s stage beckoning, the remaining group matches promise to be nail-biting affairs.