Dunedin, Feb 26 (IANS) A valiant knock from Samiullah Shenwari (96) inspired Afghanistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory against Scotland in a World Cup Pool A game at the University Oval here Thursday.
After skipper Mohamad Nabi won the toss and decided to bowl first, Afghanistan's opening bowlers Shapoor Zadran (4/38) and Dawlat Zadran (3/29) helped them bowl Scotland out for 210.
In reply, Javed Ahmadi (51) played a crucial role other than right-hander Shenwari. Shenwari was supported well by Dawlat (9), Hamid Hassan (not out 15). Hassan and Shenwari put up a 60-run stanbd for the ninth wicket befoe the latter fell with his side still requiring 19 runs to win.
Shapoor (not out 12) and Hassan survived some anxious moments to see the team home with a wicket and three balls to spare. With this win, Cup debutants Afghanistan registered their first victory in the tournament.
Earlier, lower-order batsmen Alasdair Evans (28) and Majd Haq (31) put up a 62-run stand for the ninth wicket to ensure that Scotland cross the 200-run mark.
Afghanistan bowlers maintained a tight line and length and with the support of a lively Oval pitch, they spelt trouble for the Europeans very early. Opener Calum McLeaod failed to open his account after facing 10 balls as the batsman offered a simple catch to Najibullah Zadran at backward point off a Dawlat delivery.
Another medium pacer Hassan (1/32) trapped new batsman Hamish Gardiner (5) in front of the wickets to leave Scotland in a spot of bother at 38/2 in 10.5 overs. It was a struggle for Gardiner as he couldn't get it going despite staying at the crease for 20 balls.
Kyle Coetzer (25), who scored 71 against England in their last match, looked good but he also perished. Right-arm medium pacer Dawlat ran through his defence to leave them reeling at 40/3.
Matt Machchan (31) and skipper Preston Mommsen (23) were in a damage control mode and they put up a 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Nabi rattled the stumps of the former.
Gulbadin Naib forced an edge off Mommsen bat which was gleefully accepted by wicketkeeper Afsar Zafai to leave the Scottish in further trouble at 95/5 in 22.2 overs.
Left-arm pacer Shapoor started his wicket-taking spree, dismissing Matthew Cross (15), Josh Davey (1). Dawlat hunted back to take the wicket of Richie Berrington (25) that dismantled Scotland at 144/4 in 36.4 overs.
Evans and Haw came to Scotland's rescue before both of them were dismissed by Shapoor. Iain Wardlaw remained unbeaten for 1.
At the time of defending the total, Evans (2/30) played a leading role. He dismissed opener Nawroz Mangal (7) and Ashghar Stanikzai (4) to dent the Afghanistan chase.
Ahmadi scored eight fours to socre a 51-ball 50 before perishing to medium pacer Berrington (4/40) that left the team precariously placed at 85/3 in 18.1 overs.
Within next 12 runs and 5.3 overs, Afghanistan were 97/7. Davey took the prized wicket of skipper Nabi (0), while Berrington accounted for Zafai (0) and Najibullah (4). Naib fell for a duck to give Davey his second wicket.
This is when Shenwari started his historic innings and guided the team home with the support of lower-oprder batsmen. The 28-year-old had scored 42 and 38 against Bangladesh Sri Lanka with his knocks not able to fetch them a win in both the matches. He belted five sixes and seven fours, he brought his team back into the game.
With 19 runs still needing to win, Shenwari hit Haq to Davy at the deep midwicket and had to walk back to the pavilion in huge disappointment. But, Shapoor and Hassan ensured that his valiant knock doesn't go waste.
Brief Scores: Scotland 210 (Majid Haq 31, Alasdair Evans 28; Shapoor Zadran 4/38, Dawlat Zadran 3/29), Afghanistan 211/9 in 49.3 overs (Samiullah Shenwari 96, Javed Ahmadi 51; Richie Berrington 4/40, Alasdair Evans 2/30, Josh Davey 2/34). Afghanistan win by one wicket.
Moosewala's Murder Witnesses: One of the 7 attackers shot Sidhu from the front, and the remaining 6 covered
Dainik Bhaskar did a thorough investigation after reaching the place where Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was shot. An eyewitness of the incident, Prince was also met. He said that the incident took
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: As soon as the booking started, betting started, everyone's eye on the opening of the first day
The much-awaited film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, which is slated to release on Friday with a production and print and promotional cost of around Rs 180
Bihar: Nitish Kumar government will have to remove three Yadavs, one Kurmi minister; This is the formula of Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Yadav
A big dream project of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was completed on Gandhi Jayanti. Caste census records were released. Immediately after its release, Congress's number one leader Rahul Gandhi
Best Camera Phone: If you are fond of photography then this is the smartphone with 108-megapixel camera for you
108MP Camera Budget Smartphone: If you are fond of photography and are planning to get a new smartphone, then here we are telling you about the upcoming smartphones with 108-megapixel primary cameras.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board issued an advisory, beware of fraudsters in helicopter ticket booking
Be careful if you want to go by helicopter to see Shri Mata Vaishno. You can also be a victim of fraud by selling helicopter tickets or offerings in advertisements posted on some unauthorized
Gangster Goldie Brar fleeing Canada to America: Mastermind of Sidhu Musewala murder case; Intelligence agencies and Bambiha gang lag behind
Gangster Satinder Singh alias Goldie Brar, the mastermind of the Sidhu Musewala murder case, has escaped from Canada. The intelligence agencies and the Bambiha gang are after him because of the
A big relief from the restrictions of lockdown in Punjab, these places including cinema, the restaurant will open with conditions. Know what will remain closed
Because of the decrease in the cases of corona infection, the Punjab government has decided to relax the restrictions in the state from June 16. From Wednesday, restaurants, dhabas, cinema halls, and
In these 10 states of the country, only 73% of the cases of corona are there, UP at number three
The Government of India, fighting the second wave of Coronavirus, has on Tuesday released a list of 10 states in which 73 percent of the country's deaths from Corona are being recorded. According to
UP Election 2022 Voting Percentage: 61.65% voting in the fourth phase, Pilibhit, and Lakhimpur Kheri remained ahead and Unnao left behind
In the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections 2022, 61.65 percent of votes were cast on Wednesday for 59 seats in nine districts. That is, the fourth consecutive phase also passed the First
Terrorist conspiracy of ISI in India: Alert of Intelligence – ISI activated sleeper cell to blow up railway track; target Punjab
Intelligence agencies have issued an alert warning that Pakistan has hatched a big conspiracy to harm India. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) has planned to blow up railway tracks