India trounce Afghanistan in World Cup warm-up

KABUL Cup warm-up.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the defending World Cup champions piled up 364-5 in the 50 overs game at the Adelaide Oval, with Rohit Sharma making 150. He was well-supported by Ajinkya Rahane’s 88 not out with Suresh Raina hitting a stylish 75.

Afghanistan batted their full 50 overs but managed just 211-8. Nawroz Mangal was the only batsman to make an impression with 56.

There had been some early encouraging signs when Afghanistan had India struggling on 16-2 after Hamid Hassan and Dawlat Zadran got rid of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

But once Sharma and Raina had put on 158 for the third wicket, there was no way back for Afghanistan who opted for batting practice rather than chase down the total.

Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi admitted his bowlers couldn’t build on the solid foundation given them by the opening pair.

“We started well when we batted but then the ball began to skid and we struggled. We played out the 50 overs, that was a plus point.”

Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News Hamid Hassan, Dawlat Zadran, Shahpur Zadran and Nabi shared one wicket apiece.

Besides Mangal, other major runs contributors to the Afghan side included Osman Ghani 44, Afsar Zazi 24, Asghar Stanikzai 20 and Javed Ahmadi and Samiullah Shinwari 17 runs each.

Expert Zarab Shah Zaheer said Afghan bowlers gave a tough time to the Indians in the start of the game and sent two key Indian batsmen back to the pavilion.

But later the Afghans missed several chances to take wickets, enabling India to pile up a huge total, said Zaheer, who appreciated the Afghan batting side, but regretted some mistakes by Najib Zadran and others.

Another expert Rahim Gul Sarwan said Afghanistan played well against India and that he appreciated their effort against the cricket giant.

“We expected the same against India. Victory over Bangladesh is important in the World Cup and Hamid Hassan’s recovery and return to the side is an encouraging sign.”

Afghanistan will open their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on Feb 18, though the mega event starts from Feb. 14.

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