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Kuwaits skipper Sibtain Raza won the toss and opted to field first, the decision paid off as Afghanistan were reduced to six for 81. But the seventh wicket partnership of 99 between Walizada and Hotak steadied the innings and gave respectability to the total. Once Ali Shehzad managed to break this partnership Afghanistan innings folded for 200 in 47.4 overs. Walizada, the top scorer, with 55 (five boundaries) and Hotak 39 (four boundaries) were the leading scorers for Afghanistan. Ali Shehzad sled the bowling honors for Kuwait with four for 30 and Abdul Rehman Mani with two for 18. Milinda, Sibtain, Habibullah and Mudasar also picked a wicket each. Omer Salahudin excelled in fielding by holding three magnificent catches.
Replying Kuwait opened through Omer Salahudin and Yasir Butt but the later departed early after scoring quick 17 including a six and two hits to the fence. Omer also holed out when the total was 63. His score being well made 24 studded with five boundaries. From then onward Kuwait completely dominated the bowling as both Sibtain Raza and Mubasher Khalid smashed all the bowlers at will to all the corners of the ground. Sibtain was bowled when the victory was just in sight. He hit nine well-timed boundaries in his innings of 60 off 79 balls. Mubasher played more devastating knock as his unbeaten 77 came of just 63 deliveries. His swashbuckling innings contained four towering sixes and nine very well executed hits over the boundary rope.
Kuwait achieved the required target with seven wickets in hand and 15.3 overs to spare. For Afghanistan Asghar got two for 43 and Walizada picked one wicket. Mubasher was adjudged Man of the Match for his master innings. |
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