PNG pip Aghanistan in low-scorer

Papua New Guinea edged a low-scoring affair in Napier, keeping Afghanistan to 143 in their attempt to chase a target of 174 and securing their place in the semi-finals of the Plate Championship. PNG limped to the end of their 50 overs with one wicket remaining, with the wicketkeeper Steven Eno hitting an unbeaten 55 from No. 9. Eno put on 42 for the last wicket with Timothy Mou and that alliance proved devastating in the end result.

Aftab Alam, taking the new ball for Afghanistan, wrecked PNG's top and middle orders with a splendid 6 for 33. From 32 for 6 they were revived briefly by Sese Bau who made 43 from 78 balls, but suffered further blows to reel at 100 for 8. Then Eno, sensibly, added valuable with runs Mou, who made 27 from 51 balls.

Raymond Haoda then took over with the new ball, snuffing out Afghanistan. They never recovered from 40 for 5, and Khushal Rasooli was run out for 48, the innings folded. John Reva chipped in with three wickets.

Bangladesh qualified for the semi-finals of the Plate Championship after their quarter-final against Hong Kong in Napier. Chasing 157, they won by four wickets with a few handy contributions scattered across the innings. Hong Kong had been dismissed for 156 in 49 overs with Shaker Ahmed taking 4 for 26. Nizakat Khan's unbeaten 56 was a sizeable contribution to Hong Kong's poor total.