Afghanistan outplay Hong Kong by seven wickets

CHITTAGONG: Afghanistan defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in their First Round Group ‘A’ match in the fifth World Twenty20 Cup here at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing 154, Afghanistan lost only three wickets to complete the well-deserved victory with exact two overs left.

This was their first win in the tournament after being defeated by Bangladesh in the opening match on Sunday.

Mohammad Shahzad and Shafiqullah scored half-centuries to make the chase easier for Afghanistan.

Shahzad made a 53-ball 68, hitting six fours and three sixes while Shafiqullah remained not out on 51, made from 39 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes.

Earlier, Hong Kong batting first after winning the toss, made 153 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

The main scorers were Mark Chapman (38), Waqas Barkat (32) and Jamie Atkinson (31).

Opener Waqas was involved in two useful partnerships. He added 42 with his skipper Atkinson for the second wicket and then 60 runs with Chapman for the third wicket.

Tanwir Afzal was the only other batsman to enter into double figures.

Left-arm fast-medium bowler Shappoor Zadran, off-spinner Mohammad Nabi and left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak claimed two wickets each for Afghanistan.