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.
China is very smart! Dragon wants to break Taiwan's economy back by saving itself from big losses, knowing what is the whole matter
At present, it would not be wrong to call China the most intelligent country in the world. This is because China is doing all kinds of tricks to integrate Taiwan into its mainland. From showing fear
America's Colorado River on the verge of drying up: The water level reached a 60-year low, the same situation for the second-largest Powell Lake
Due to drought in America, the Colorado River has come under threat. In the past 22 years, the water level of the Colorado River has decreased by 20%. Because of this, the second-largest Powell Lake
How votes will be counted on EVM on March 10; Know why the counting of votes is done only on 14-14 tables?
Assembly elections in UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur have now been completed. Now everyone is waiting for the results to be declared on March 10.
72 Hoorain Trailer: '72 Hoorain' shows the story of suicide terrorists, digital trailer of the film released
72 Hoorain Trailer: After 'The Kerala Story', '72 Hoorain' is all set to release in a few days. The story of the film revolves around the youth who are brainwashed and forced to become suicide
Weather Update: Heat wave likely in UP-Rajasthan, the temperature may increase in Delhi; There will be heavy rain alert in these states
Pre-monsoon rains are continuing in many states of the country, while in some states, the possibility of re-creation of heatwave conditions has started. With the end of the storm and rain in the
CISCE Datesheet: ISC and ICSE Semester-2 examinations will be held from April 25, download datesheet like this
CISCE Semester-2 Exam: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the ISC and ICSE Semester-2 exam schedule by releasing official notification. CISCE has informed
Salman Khan's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma targeted by the Bishnoi gang? Threatening email sent
The number of threats being received by Bollywood stars is increasing day by day. Following the shooting outside Rohit Shetty's house, "Dhurandhar" actor Ranveer Singh was recently threatened via a
Latest 5G Smartphones: If you are also looking for 5G smartphone in the budget of 15 thousand rupees, then these are the latest options
Nowadays, most smartphone companies are launching only phones equipped with 5G technology. In such a situation, if you are also planning to get a new 5G smartphone and are not able to decide which one
Nuh Violence: Efforts to bridge the gap between the two communities, SP said - looking at caste religion, will not be soft on miscreants
After the violence on July 31, the administration is working day and night to bring the situation back on track. On Monday, District Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata and Superintendent of Police
PM Modi: PM will address the meeting of Home Ministers, Home Secretaries, and DGP, and will discuss internal security
After the Diwali festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers and DGPs of the states through video conferencing on Friday. The PMO said that this program
