Afghanistan crash out of WCL Division One

Afghanistan lost today to Scotland, and thus their chance of winning the tournament disappeared. Afghanistan set Scotland a dismal 141 and, despite a late comeback, weren’t able to defend the total, as the Scots won by two wickets with 37 balls remaining.

The day started with Afghanistan deciding to bat first – something they hadn’t done in the four previous matches. They started poorly again, though. Karim Sadiq gave his wicket away to end a poor tournament for him. Javed Ahmadi, replacing Shabir Noori and making his debut, fell next, pulling to fine leg.

As has happened so often recently, Shahzad came out swinging straight away – he hit a six third ball today. A partnership developed, Shahzad the aggressor, Noor Ali the defender, but at 54-2, when Afghanistan were looking solid, they lost two wickets. Shahzad was needlessly run out, while Ali was caught in a gully.

The run-rate ground to a halt as Nawroz Mangal and Asgher Stanikzai looked to rebuild. With some kind of foundation laid, it was expected that Afghanistan would reach around 200. However, a colasspe ensured, and they could only manage 141, bowled out with 17 balls left.

A pathetic total, really, but with the pitch misbehaving, pressure of a big match and Afghanistan’s quality bowler attack, the game wasn’t over yet.

The Afghan bowlers came out fired up, and took a much-needed early wicket when Shapoor Zardan struck. But that was their only success for some while as the Scots dug in.

Afghanistan bowled tightly, and Nabi took a wicket, so did Mangal, yet there were no clumps of wickets. Scotland progressed to 105-3, needing only 37 more with 7 wickets in hand. Though, to their credit, Afghanistan never gave up. Two more wickets followed to leave Scotland 112-5.

Frustratingly, a tiny stand began to take them within 9 runs of the total. Yet, somehow, Afghanistan stayed in the match. Mangal got an lbw decision to go his way, then Hamid Hassan produced a mistimed shot to get the seventh wicket. Suddenly, another great comeback from Afghanistan became a possibility. Next over Shapoor Zardan picked up another wicket, 8 down now, three more runs needed.

However, a miracle didn’t happen – Scotland won this winner takes all match to reach the final with Ireland. It was a great late effort from the bowlers, though.

The vast majority of the blame will have to go to the batsmen and the captain, Nawroz Mangal. First of all, why did the captain decide to bat first when most of the games have been won by the teams chasing. The batting line-up was strange also: Samiullah Shenwari scored 84 against Kenya the other when batting in the number 4 position; so why did he come in at number 9 today? As well, what was the thinking behind giving a debut to Javed Ahmadi in such an important match? And the bowlers. Yes, they nearly won it for Afghanistan, but they still gave away 22 extras.

With not qualifying for the final, it has to go down as a poor tournament for Afghanistan. They have one more match on this tour, though, a 3rd place play-off against The Netherlands tomorrow.

For scorecard, click here.