Published: Oct 21, 2017, 03:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 21, 2017, 03:05 PM (IST)
Afghanistan rounded off a memorable 4-day First-Class game against Hong Kong at Mong Hok. This victory by an innings and 173 runs have propelled Afghanistan to top of the table of ICC Intercontinental Cup table 2015-17 with 101points. Hong Kong were outclassed across departments that saw them lose 10 wickets on day two of the four-day game.
Starting the day on 270 for 2, Rahmat Shah and Asghar Stanikzai came out with clear content. While Rahmat got out for 57, Stanikzai went to record a brisk 127. It was Mohammad Nabi, who blitzed Hong Kong bowlers away from making a 44-ball 63. Nasir Jamal supported him making 37.
With the fall of Nabi’s wicket, Afghanistan declared their innings on 465 for 5.
Hong Kong in their second innings were off to a horrid start. They lost wicket of Christopher Carter and Matt Stiller for nothing. It was skipper Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan, who resistance in the middle but could not do much.
It was only Anshuman Rath that held one end of the pitch. Rath batted with grit and composure as wickets tumbled from the other end. It was Rashid Khan, Nabi and Zahir Khan that ran past Honk Kong’s weakened middle-lower order.
It was Zahir’s late spell picking 4 wickets that helped his side clinch the tie in merely two days.
Meanwhile, Anshuman batted on and on to reach a well deserved half-century to remain unbeaten on 59.
Earlier on day one, Hong Kong won the toss and folded for 142. Their innings was wrecked by Rashid’s five-for. Hayat top-scored for them making 39. In reply, Afghanistan were off to a swift start came courtesy Javed Ahmadi and Ihsanullah.
While Ahmadi was run out for 108, Ihsanullah fell to 63.
Brief scores:
Hong Kong 142 & 150 (Anshuman Rath 59*, Nizakat Khan 26; Zahir Khan 4 for 16) lost to Afghanistan 465 for 5 decl (Javed Ahmadi 108, Ihsanullah 63, Asghar Stanikzai 125; Anshuman Rath 1 for 22) by an innings and 173 runs.
Brief scores:
Hong Kong 142 & 150 (Anshuman Rath 59*, Nizakat Khan 26; Zahir Khan 4 for 16) lost to Afghanistan 465 for 5 decl (Javed Ahmadi 108, Ihsanullah 63, Asghar Stanikzai 125; Anshuman Rath 1 for 22) by an innings and 173 runs.
