Afghanistan, Hong Kong register impressive wins

Afghanistan started its campaign in the ACC U19 Elite Cup with a comprehensive 249 run win over hosts Thailand on Tuesday in a Group B encounter. Hong Kong also registered an impressive 109 run win over Bahrain in a Group A match at the Prem Oval in Chiang Mai on the first day of the tournament.

At the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, Afghanistan posted 326 for 8 in its 50 overs. Man of the Match Afsar Khan Zazai starred in the innings scoring 134 off 119 balls (16x4, 3x6). Younas Khan Ahmadzai (42) and Shir Mohammad Shirzi (33) were the other notable contributors. In its reply Thailand was shot out for 77 in 30.5 overs thanks to an impressive spell by Aftab Alam (3-18).

For Hong Kong, Nizakat Khan (110: 119b, 17x4, 2x6) was the top-scorer as Hong Kong posted 274 for 9 in its 50 overs. Kinchit Shah (43) was the other major contributor. Niaz Ali (4-34) was the best bowler on view for Bahrain. In its chase Bahrain lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 165. Sameer Abbas Minhas (4-37) was the most impressive bowler for Hong Kong.

In the other games Qatar beat Malaysia by 35 runs in a Group A encounter at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana on the back of a fine all-round show by Tamoor Sajjad. Batting first Qatar posted 214 for 7 in its 50 overs. Skipper Tamoor Sajjad top-scored with 95 off 93 balls with 11 boundaries and one six. Mohammad Mirza scored a crucial 34 off 47 balls.

Sajjad then picked up 5-25 to derail Malaysia's innings. Only Zachary Shunmugam with 50 stood tall for Malaysia in the chase.

Nepal registered an impressive nine-wicket win over UAE at the Asian Institute of Technology ground in Bangkok. UAE was bowled out for 87 in 47.2 overs and Nepal chased down the paltry target in just 16.3 overs.