Dubai: Papua New Guinea on Sunday secured their place in the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia next year with a 45-run win over Kenya, here.
Since Netherlands could not beat Scotland in 12.3 overs of their chase, it sent PNG into the premier event Down Under next year.
They were reduced to 19 for six within four overs, and it seemed they had blown their opportunity to secure automatic qualification. However, led by Norman Vanua's fighting 48-ball 54, PNG recovered to post 118 in 19.3 overs.
PNG ARE GOING TO AUSTRALIA!#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/UjXrM4dkUA
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 27, 2019
Kenya had Irfan Karim scoring a 22-ball 29, and that meant they were 40 for one after the Powerplay.
However, the slide began. There were only two more scores that reached double digits: Collins Obuya made a 19-ball 10, and Aman Gandhi fought to a 25-ball 14.
At one point today PNG were 19/6 against Kenya, with their hopes of qualifying automatically for the #T20WorldCup rapidly fading before their eyes.
An inspired comeback and a nervous wait later and they're going to Australia.
Welcome to 'The Big Dance', @Cricket_PNG. pic.twitter.com/AuIhfli6rg
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 27, 2019
Assad Vala returned a brilliant 3/7, and Nosaina Pokana provided superb support with his 3/21. Kenya were bundled out for 73 in 18.4 overs
Having done their bit, the PNG players waited in anticipation for the Netherlands result.
The Dutch won by four wickets, but it wasn't sufficient on the day. They will have to go through the playoffs to reach Australia.
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