Afghanistan XI loses opening game on UAE tour

Fast bowler Hamid Hassan's first match in charge as captain of Afghanistan XI did not go as well as expected.

Afghanistan XI, featuring a number of youngsters, lost by 59 runs to United Arab Emirates XI on Monday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.

UAE XI opted to bat first and posted 266 for 7 in its allotted 40 overs. In its reply, Afghanistan XI could post only 207 for 9 in its 40 overs to lose its first match on the tour.

Earlier Man of the Match Saqib Ali (84: 87b, 7x4, 2x6) and Khurram Khan (55: 61b, 6x4) helped revive UAE XI's innings after the hosts slipped to 69 for 3. Khan and Ali added 137 runs for the fourth wicket to provide the home team a platform. For the visitors, Gulabdin Nabi (4-49) was the best bowler.

In its reply, Afghanistan collapsed to 41 for 5 before a 83 run sixth wicket stand between Shafiqullah (56: 62b, 4x4, 3x3) and Gulabdin Nabi (50: 37b, 1x4, 4x6) revived the chase. But it was too little late as the visitors lost the game.

For UAE XI Manjula (3-33) and Shadeep Silva (3-41) were the best bowlers on view.