Afghanistan-A trounce England Lions in three-dayer

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): Afghan Abdalyan have defeated England Lions by five wickets in the three-day match in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On Sunday, Afghan Abdalyan put on an incredible bowling performance, bundle out England Lions for 137 runs in the first innings.

Zia Akbar was the pick of the bowlers on the first day with figures of 4/61. Zahir Khan (2/10) and Sharafuddin Ashraf (2/16) picked two wickets each.

Afghan Abdalyan scored 174 runs in their first innings, taking a 37 runs lead over England Lions, with skipper Ikram Alikhil contributing 57.

Zia Ur Rahman Akbar scored a hat-trick and finished with excellent figures of 6/65 in his 18.5 overs spell to help Afghan Abdalyan skittle the opposition out for 186 runs in the second innings.

Afghan Abdalyan were restricted to 42/3 at the end of Day 2 but Darwish Rasooli (45) and Ikram Alikhil (22*) stepped up again and saw their side romp home with five wickets in hand.

The one-off three-day match was arranged as part of the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s plans for providing more playing opportunities for the team for future national call-ups.

kk/mud