Nabi's knock goes in vain

Afghanistan XI started its tour of Pakistan with a five-wicket defeat on Wednesday. The visitors were playing Pakistan A at the Diamond Cricket Club ground in Islamabad.

Afghanistan XI chose to bat first and was bowled out for 152 in 37.3 overs. Only man of the match Mohammad Nabi (72: 75b, 7x4, 3x6) offered any resistance to the hosts. Pakistan A chased down the target in 39.5 overs with five wickets to spare.

Pakistan A leads the three-match series 1-0.

Earlier, Afghanistan XI slipped to 94 for eight before Nabi shared a 58-run ninth wicket stand with Shapoor Zadran. Only other batsman to make any substantial contribution was skipper Nawroz Mangal (33). For Pakistan A, skipper Sohail Tanvir (2-33), Sadaf Hyssain (2-25) and Mohammad Talha (3-29) shared the wickets.

In its chase, Pakistan A was well served by opener Sharjeel Khan (47: 49b, 8x4, 1x6). Dawlat Zadran was the best bowler on view for Afghanistan XI with figures of 3-45.

The second match of the series will be played at Rawalpindi on 27 May.