Afghanistan Bowlers Too Good For Scotland

Afghanistan Bowlers Too Good For Scotland

©International Cricket Council

Afghanistan 275 (Rahmat Shah 67) beat
Scotland 125 & 145 by an innings & 5 runs
ICC Intercontinental Cup, Abu Dhabi

Afghanistan produced a thoroughly ruthless bowling display to hand Scotland an innings-and-five-run defeat inside three days of their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash in Abu Dhabi.

Scotland were bowled out on the opening day for 125 and after Afghanistan hit 275 in reply to establish a healthy lead, they wrapped up the match when Scotland were dismissed for 145 in their second innings.

The win lifts Afghanistan above Scotland into second place, just three points behind leaders Ireland, who are currently in action against United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan took control of the game early on and never relinquished it, Izatullah Dawlatzai (6-57) and Mirwais Ashraf (3-31) ensuring Scotland's first innings lasted for just 37.5 overs.

The Scots were reduced to 44 for seven, so showed plenty of resolve, mainly from Rob Taylor's unbeaten 48, to even reach three figures.

Rahmat Shah then top scored with 67 as Afghanistan forged ahead. Asghar Stanikzai (41), Mohammad Shahzad (41) and Shabir Noori (33) helped the 'home' side build a lead of 150 and it proved to be more than enough.

Scotland lost early wickets again as their battle to stay in the game quickly became a forlorn one. Kyle Coetzer stood firm making 57 in 124 balls but around him, Scotland slipped to 44 for five, this time Dawlat Zadran (4-51) combining with Izatullah (5-37) to bowl Afghanistan to the brink of victory on day two.

Scotland managed to take the game into the third day, David Murphy hitting 23 and Gordon Drummond 16 before the end came when Drummond was bowled by Dawlat.

Scotland's first defeat in the competition leaves them with plenty of work to do if they are to repeat their success of 2004, but they are not completely out of the running to make their second straight final, Afghanistan having beaten them in 2010.

On a flat track in Sharjah, Ireland piled up 589 for seven thanks to centuries from Ed Joyce (155) and Niall O'Brien (126) and UAE have closed day three on 302 for six in reply, Khurram Khan hitting 115 and Arshad Ali 95.

Points: Ireland 67*, Afghanistan 64, Scotland 46, Namibia 43, United Arab Emirates 30*, Netherlands 30, Kenya 22, Canada 10

* currently playing each other.
N.B. All sides have played four matches except Afghanistan and Scotland, who have now played five.

© Cricket World 2013