Sports

Afghanistan go down fighting to Pakistan

Pakistan wins by five wickets in first match of cricket series against Afghanistan.

Afp May 25, 2011

ISLAMABAD: A fighting Afghanistan on Wednesday lost to Pakistan's second side by five wickets in their first confrontation, with officials hoping a three-match series can foster more foreign tours.

Afghanistan, who won the toss and decided to bat at Diamond Cricket ground, recovered through a fighting 72 by vice-captain Mohammad Nabi, who helped his team recover from a precarious 94-8 to 152 all out in 37.3 overs.

Nabi added an invaluable 58 for the ninth wicket with Shapoor Zadran, who made four. Captain Nawroz Mangal, with 33, was the only other batsman to reach double figures.

For Pakistan 'A' pacemen Mohammad Talha (3-29), Sadaf Hussain (2-25) and Sohail Tanvir (2-33) shared the wickets.

Pakistan 'A' were led by a brilliant 47 by opener Sharjeel Khan, but paceman Dawlat Zadran (3-45) briefly raised hopes of an Afghan win before Umar Amin (29) and Sarfraz Ahmed (21 not out) helped Pakistan reach the target in 39.5 overs.

The remaining two matches will be played in Rawalpindi (Friday) and Faisalabad (Sunday).

Abbreviated Scores

Afghanistan 152 all out in 37.3 overs

(Mohammad Nabi 72, Nawroz Mangal 33; Mohammad Talha 3-29)

Pakistan 'A' 153-5 in 39.5

(Sharjeel Khan 47; Dawlat Zadran 3-45)

COMMENTS (2)

Mohil Patel | 12 years ago | Reply How did Afghanistan play in their first cricket match against Pakistan “A”? Afghanistan played Pakistan “A” team and the result was Afghanistan batting first 152 All out in 37.3 over’s and Pakistan “A” 154 for 5 in 39.5. Pakistan “A” beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets. Afghanistan played very well. They had shown good performance all round cricket and did have some depth in cricket. For Pakistan “A” it was not easy and also they had struggled in the match. Afghanistan with batting: Afghanistan would need to improve a lot on their batting. The score of 152 in 37.3 Overs was not enough to defend. Also they had 12.3 Overs remaining, which are 75 balls; they could have scored 250 plus, which would be really competitive and challenging. The top order did not perform and top three people batsmen did not get two figures. Afghanistan would need to have their top order to score the runs. The Vice Captain manages to get 72 runs and Captain Nawroz Mangal scored 33. They should both continue their performance like all through out. They would need to have successful flow of runs and partnerships that would balance their run rate. Also they have big hitters that could change the games round for Afghanistan and approach to a better and higher total. Afghanistan with Bowling: With bowling, they were able to take 5 wickets. This implies that they were able to challenge the team with their bowling and are able to have half of their side out. Also, they had shown the ability that they are able to create pressure. In response, Pakistan “A” struggled go score the runs. They should have the same line and length of their bowling. On the other hand, also think of how to take more wickets and where did there bowling had gone wrong. Afghanistan with Fielding: As they have taken down Pakistan to 39.1 Overs, it shows that they did not allow the runs to be scored easily. This would have saved the boundaries, singles and so on to create pressure on Pakistan “A” is that style. If they have a larger total, they would have to do the same thing and improve if possible. This could make them win the match as well. What should Afghanistan do in the net match? As Afghanistan had shown positive attitude to the match, they should to the same. This would allow them to perform better. Also they need improvement in their batting, bowling and fielding errors, which they have. The quality is cricket played by them today was good but I hope they would improve a lot better in the next two matches. GOOD LUCK TO AFGHANISTAN

Chilli | 12 years ago | Reply Extra security measures needed for foreign teams..

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