Afghanistan beat Auckland in rain-hit encounter

KABUL defeated Auckland cricket team by nine wickets in a one-day friendly match in New Zeeland on Sunday, an official said.

Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News that Auckland won the toss and chose to bat in the 45-over rain-affected match that had gone into a second day, piling up 201 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

For Afghanistan, Daulat Zadran clinched three wickets, finishing as the best of the Afghan bowling attack  and Aftab Alam and Mirwais Ashraf shared one wicket apiece.

The Afghans easily chased the 202 runs target in the 32nd over for the loss of only one wicket, thanks to Osman Ghani’s brilliant 107 runs and unbeaten 77 by Nawroz Mangal.

The two batsmen added 197 partnership runs. Ghani, who hit eight fours and five sixes, was the man of the match.

The contest was reduced to 45 overs, with Auckland completing their innings at 201-8. Wicketkeeper Brad Cachopa top-scored with 49. Cachopa fell to seamer Daulat Zadran.

Afghanistan are playing four matches in New Zealand as part of their build-up to next year’s World Cup. Their last two fixtures, also at Mt Maunganui, are against the Northern Knights on Tuesday and Thursday

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