Afghanistan managed its complete dominance over Nepal in T20 format of cricket, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the semifinal of ICC World T20 Qualifiers on Friday played at the Sheikd Jayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
It was Nepal’s fifth defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in the shortest format of cricket. Earlier, Nepal was defeated at the hands of Afghanistan during the group stage of the same tournament a week ago.
Both Nepal and Afghanistan are already through to World T20. Afghanistan surpassed the smallish target of 91 runs, posted by Nepal, in 14.2 over losing three wickets.
Nawroz Mangal scored the highest 48 runs for Afghanistan, after Nepal inflicted early blows, with Avinash Karn scalping both the openers with 11 runs on the board. Mangal smashed a six and four boundaries.
Samiulla Shenwari (24) and Gulabdin Naib (12) remained unbeaten. Nepali pacers Avinash Karna claimed two wickets while Jeetendra Mukhiya pocketed one.
Earlier, put to bat first, Nepal managed only 90 runs losing eight wickets. During the entire innings, Nepali batsmen failed to impose themselves and could not build momentum as wicket kept falling at regular intervals.
Sharad Vesawkar scored the highest 27 runs for Nepal. Vesawkar hit two boundaries in his 28-ball knock. Nepal lost the openers Subash Khakurel (3) and Sagar Pun (2) just for 11 runs in 3.2 overs.
Gyanendra Malla (14) and Paras Khadka (13) were the other players from the Nepali team to reach double digits, but they could not wrest the initiative from Afghani bowlers.
Binod Bhandari (3), Pradeep Airee (7), Basanta Regmi (8) and Shakti Gauchan (2) were out cheaply as well. Jeetendra Mukhiya remained unbeaten for six runs.
Samiullah Shenwari was the pick of Afghanistan bowlers claiming three wickets in his four over spell giving away 19 runs. Izatullah Dawlatzai and Dawlat Zardan pocketed two wickets apiece.
All photos courtesy: IDI/Getty Images via ICC