Hamid Hassan stars in Afghan victory

Three wickets from Hamid Hassan inspired Afghanistan to a 29-run win over the USA and secured a place in the Super Four stages at the ICC World Twenty20.

It will carry forward two points into the next stages after remaining unbeaten in the group stages of the competition.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan made 135-4 off 20 overs with useful contributions from Nowroz Mangal (30) and Noor Ali (26) at the top of the order, before Raees Ahmadzai (26 not out), Mohammad Nabi (25 not out) and Karim Sadiq (25) added quick runs later in the innings.

The USA got off to a solid start in the face of some impressive and hostile opening bowling but once Carl Wright (28) fell it never looked like winning.

Hamid Hassan (3-14) then ripped through the lower order to seal another excellent victory.