1.00 pm There are people running on to the field with Afghanistan flags to celebrate their nation's progress into the 2016 World T20 in India. Nawroz Mangal is their hero, 65 not out off 56 balls, a near-perfect innings. Heartbreak for PNG, who have competed valiantly in this tournament, today they did not get enough runs. Afghanistan is the fifth Associate nation (apologies to William Porterfield) to secure their berth in India. Only one remains - for either Oman or Namibia.
Nawroz Mangal is he Man of the Match, back to back awards for him. "Last time I was man of the match but we did not win, so this time I am happier, very excited to qualify for the WT20 in India."
PNG captain Jack Vare: "I thought the wicket was ... the Afghanistan bowlers bowled well, wasn't easy to get a big total, short by 20-30 runs. they batted well, it wasn't easy for them ... really enjoyed it in Ireland, thanks to everyone ... we started well but it's a disappointing end for us. But a lot of positives. We will work hard and come back strong. We are trying our best to develop on both four day cricket and one day cricket, there are a lot of positives."
Stanikzai: "We are very happy, it was important for us to qualify ... honestly, we wanted to bat first but our bowling was very good too ... 127-128 was not a good total on this wicket."
That's about it from us for this game, the toss for Namibia-Oman will happen in about 30 minutes. Cheers.
END OF OVER:18 | 13 Runs | AFG: 121/4 (7 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 6.72, RRR: 3.50)
- Nawroz Mangal64 (55b)
- Najibullah Zadran8 (5b)
- Loa Nou3-0-26-0
- Norman Vanua3-0-12-2
Sohan Pandey: "all eyes on Nawroz Mangal. I think the match is still nicely poised."
END OF OVER:17 | 7 Runs 1 Wkt | AFG: 108/4 (20 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.35, RRR: 6.66)
- Nawroz Mangal61 (52b)
- Najibullah Zadran0 (0b)
- Norman Vanua3-0-12-2
- Charles Amini4-0-23-2
Mohammad Nabi c Dai b Vanua 11 (11m 9b 1x4 0x6) SR: 122.22
Sherul: "Nabi will want to stay till the end after that last over vs Hong Kong"