Afghans take 155-run lead over Namibia

KABUL scored 345 runs in their first innings, taking a155-run lead over Namibia in their four-day match of the Intercontinental Cup, thanks to a magnificent ton by Asghar Stanikzai, an official said on Monday.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News the event began in the African country on Sunday, when Namibia won the toss and elected to bat first — a decision that apparently backfired.

SJ Baard was the highest scorer for the hosts with 72, followed by HN Ya France with 30 runs, said Hotak, who commended Mohammad Nabi for capturing six wickets and thereby restricting Namibia to 190 in the first innings.

Hotak said Stanikzai smashed an unbeaten 127 runs to guide the home side to 345 runs, forging vital partnerships with Samiullah Shinawri (32), Nawroz Mangal (58), Mohammad Shahzad (36) and Dawlat Zadran (50).  

are 62 for the loss of opening batsman Shabir Noor who was trapped leg before wicket by SF Burger for eight runs. Skipper Nawroz Mangal is still at the crease with a solid 51, according to the ACB spokesman.

The four-day match would be followed by two World Cricket League Championship One Day matches on August 9 and 11. In their last encounter in March 2012, Afghanistan defeated Namibia by 28 runs to qualify for the Twenty20 World Cup. 

At stumps on Monday, Afghanistan were 155 runs ahead of the opposition with two wickets in hand. The first innings lead earned the holders six points that could double if they win the match, Hotak explained.

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