Afghanistan sailed past Papua New Guinea to confirm their spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup for the first time and, in the process, also knocked group-mates New Zealand out of the race.

PNG were bundled out for 95 with pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq calling the shots. Then Gulbadin Naib scored an unbeaten 49 as the Afghans completed a seven-wicket win in 15.1 overs.

The Afghans will face title favourites India in their first Super Eight clash on June 20 in Barbados.

Though elated with their performance, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott reminded the team that they “haven’t won anything yet”.

“To come to a World Cup and win three (games) is a nice feeling, but also the realisation and reality that we haven’t won anything yet... We only achieved the group stage and we’ve got some important cricket matches coming up which we’re going to have to play well in,” the former England batter said.

Afghanistan’s win meant that New Zealand, the 2021 finalists, can no longer qualify for the Super Eight.

Tournament co-hosts the West Indies have already entered the Super Eight from Group C with six points, which is the same as the Afghans, who they face on Tuesday (Indian time). That match will decide who will be the group toppers. New Zealand are yet to win a game in the tournament.

Brief scores: Papua New Guinea 95 in 19.5 ovs (Fazalhaq Farooqi 3/16, Naveen-ul-Haq 2/4). Afghanistan 101/3 in 15.1 ovs (Gulbadin Naib 49 n.o.). Afghanistan won
by 7 wkts.