Afghanistan coast into ACC Twenty20 Cup final

Afghanistan beat hosts Nepal by nine wickets in Friday's first ACC Twenty20 Cup semi-final.

The reigning champions will now face the winners of Friday's second semi-final between Oman and Hong Kong in the final.

Nepal have the consolation of knowing they have already qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier next March, along with the other three semi-finalists.

Wet conditions meant the match was reduced to 16-overs-per-side but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of a fervent home crowd, in the region of 12,000, despite the one-sided nature of the match.

Afghanistan's opening bowlers were in typically devastating form as runs were kept to a premium from the start of Nepal's innings.

Hamid Hassan's economy rate was just 1.75 as he bowled his four overs for seven runs, as well as one wicket.

But it was opening partner Dawlat Zadran who took the man-of-the-match award for his 3-0-13-4.

Captain Paras Khadka got the crowd on their feet as he dominated Nepal's total with 30 out of 68-9. Basanta Regmi was the only other player to reach double figures on 10.

Khadka and Regmi were also responsible for each hitting one six with just one other boundary across the rest of the innings.

Afghanistan's opening pair of Karim Sadiq (32) and Shabir Noori (27 not out) put on 41 in seven overs before Regmi had the former stumped.

Victory was completed soon after for the loss of no further wickets and 40 balls to spare.

Afghanistan will go into Sunday's final as strong favourites to retain their trophy as they have yet to be seriously challenged in the tournament so far.