[Watch] PNG skipper Assad Vala run out by alert Rahmanullah Gurbaz in AFG vs PNG 2024 T20 World Cup clash
Papua New Guinea (PNG) skipper Assad Vala was caught napping by an alert Rahmanullah Gurbaz to be run out against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Trinidad. PNG were asked to bat first after losing the toss and got off to a solid start at 10/0 in 1.4 overs.
However, disaster struck in the penultimate ball of the second over when Assad Vala played a cracking cut shot past the point region and set off running. Yet, in the assumption of a comfortable third run, the 36-year-old was slow off the blocks before watching an alert Gurbaz collect the throw from the deep and shy at the stumps on his end.
Assad Vala was found wanting as he kept his bat in the air and neither grounded his feet to gift Afghanistan their opening wicket off a run-out.
Here is a video of the delivery and the eventual run-out:
The Papua New Guinea skipper's run-out set the tone for an abysmal batting performance as they were bowled out for 95 in the final over of the innings.
The innings also had four run-outs, a summation of Papua New Guinea's capitulation.
Afghanistan complete a comfortable run-chase to qualify for Super 8
Assad Vala's run out catapulted another sorry outing for Papua New Guinea at the 2024 T20 World Cup as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Afghanistan. The win was Afghanistan's third in a row and took them atop the Group C points table, sealing their qualification for the Super 8.
Meanwhile, it was Papua New Guinea's third consecutive defeat and officially eliminated them from Super 8 contention.
Fazalhaq Farooqi continued his magnificent run through the tournament, finishing with figures of 3/16 in four overs. Fellow pacer Naveen Ul Haq picked up two wickets and left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad added a wicket to his kitty.
In reply, Afghanistan endured a horrid start after being reduced to 22/2 in the third over before an unbeaten 36-ball 49 by Gulbadin Naib eased the nerves and took them to a comfortable win.
Afghanistan's win meant they joined West Indies to the Super 8 from Group C, while pre-tournament favorites New Zealand were eliminated.