Afghanistan, HK maintain perfect records
DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 6: Afghanistan’s push towards a place at the 2011 World Cup continued on Sunday when they thrashed Jersey by 124 runs to make it two wins in two matches in the World Cricket League Division Four.
Batting first, Afghanistan made 203 for nine in 50 overs and then bowled out Jersey for 79.
The top two sides in the six-nation tournament here will ensure spots in Division Three with the leading two nations there progressing to the final World Cup Qualifier in April 2009.Left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took four for 19 as Hong Kong also maintained their unbeaten record as they defeated hosts Tanzania by 134 runs after the home team were bowled out for 121 chasing 256.
Hong Kong’s batsmen rattled up 255 with Man-of-the-Match Moner Ahmed top scoring with 66 while skipper Tabarak Dar chipped in with 60. Italy’s opener Andy Northcote enjoyed an eventful day in his side’s 254-run thrashing of Fiji.
Twenty-five year-old Northcote, who shared an opening stand of added 140 with Thushara Kurukulasuriya (73), was five runs short of century when he collapsed with heat exhaustion. He bravely carried on to reach the three figures but retired soon after.Italy reached 318 for five and then dismissed Fiji for 64.—AFP