Afghanistan trump Kenya to qualify

Afghanistan booked a berth in next year's World Twenty20 with a 34-run win over Kenya in Sunday's Qualifier fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan booked a berth in next year's World Twenty20 with a 34-run win over Kenya in Sunday's Qualifier fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The Afghans romped to a telling total of 148 for nine on the back of the hard-hitting Noor Ali Zadran's brisk 50 and a late-order cameo of 33 from the inventive Najibullah Zadran.

The talented Duncan Allan and Collins Obuya were the pick of the African bowlers, clinching figures of two for eight and two for 11 respectively.

The Kenyans' reply revolved around a solid 52 from the in-form Rakep Patel, who struck a whirlwind century earlier in the tournament. Patel endured a severe lack of support, though, as the tally fell to an insufficient 114 all out in 18.2 overs.

Leg-spinner Samiullah Shenwari was named Man of the Match – thanks to outstanding figures of five for 13 in four prolific overs. Medium-pacers Shapoor Zadran and Mirwais Ashraf, meanwhile, each contributed a key brace.

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