Scotland 139 and 95 for 2 (Chalmers 37* Berrington 5*) require another 451 runs to beat Afghanistan 435 and 249 for 5 dec (Shahzad 105* Haq, 2-66) with eight wickets remaining
The wisdom of not following-on was questioned last night – and it’s is now clear why. Afghanistan batted well today, but the decision to declare got delayed as they appeared to be waiting for Mohammad Shahzad’s century. Finally the declaration came, just after Tea, though Scotland only lost two wickets in the final session to give them hope of an unlikely draw.
Afghanistan built on their lead steadly in the first session, with the odd sign of aggression from Karim Sadiq. Scotland bowled tightly, picking up two wickets for their reward. The two openers, Noor Ali and Karim Sadiq, were the men to depart.
Runs came quicker in the afternoon session, as the lead rose to 450. A declaration at this stage seemed only a matter of time – but it never came. Mohammad Shahzad dominated the proceedings, however, it was his approaching 100 which postponed Nawroz Mangal calling his men in. Shahzad finished the session on 94 not out, and he was disappointed with falling short of the hundred before Tea; yet the captain and coach allowed him some more time after Tea to reach the milestone. He did bring it up almost straight away, with a six, but it wasted valuable time for Afghanistan to bowl out Scotland.
All this left Scotland needing 546 runs to win in virtually 4 sessions. This target is impossible, really. But while Afghanistan could have given themselves an extra hour at the Scots, they ended up with only 4 sessions. Still plenty of time, though if you take in to into account that they didn’t enforce the follow-on, and the late declaration, there could’ve been more time for them.
Anyway, Fraser Watts, who was involved in a confrontation with Mohammad Shahzad, and Ryan Flannigan, the Scottish openers, showed good judgement early on in Scotland’s innings, getting through the first 14 overs. However, Hamid Hassan once again provided Afghanistan with the breakthrough, and once again it was in his opening over, clean bowling Fraser Watts for 8.
Next, a partnership 57 runs caused worry for Afghanistan, as runs flowed freely off the bat of Flannigan and Ewan Chalmers. Just before the close, though, Mohammad Nabi produced a beauty to dispose of Flannigan for a solid 32. Nabi, in fact, has not gone for a single run in his seven overs.
So, Scotland ended on 95-2, with Chalmers (37 no) and Richie Berrington (5 no) at the crease. Afghanistan need 8 wickets to go top of the table, otherwise they will look very silly for not enforcing the follow-on and for not declaring earlier.
