Afghanistan trump Scotland
Afghanistan secured a 27-run win – and one-nil lead in their two-match series against Scotland – in Sunday's first Twenty20 International at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Afghanistan secured a 27-run win – and one-nil lead in their two-match series against Scotland – in Sunday's first Twenty20 International at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad's 55 was at the fore of an Afghanistan total of 132 for seven, to which the Scots responded with an insufficient 105 for six.
Shahzad's vigil six fours and a solitary six, spanned just 30 balls and afforded him the fourth half-century of his burgeoning career. The talented Asghar Stanikzai, meanwhile, weighed in with a complementary 30.
Two of four Scottish debutants, Iain Wardlaw and Neil Carter were solid with the new ball, clinching two wickets each. Spinner Matt Machan, though, was the pick of the bunch thanks to figures of three for 23.
Machan was also the defeated team's highest scorer, with his 38-delivery 42 not out as good as it got in an otherwise weak total. New Afghan skipper Mohammad Nabi led from the front with the ball, securing two key wickets.
The teams will meet for the second and final fixture at the same venue on Monday.
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