Sadiq stars in Afghanistan win

Afghanistan opener Karim Sadiq turned in a fine all-round performance (91 and four for 12) to star in his side's 89 runs win over Denmark on the third day of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier.

At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan after opting to bat first posted 172-5 in its 20 overs. Denmark was restricted to a mere 83-9 in 20 overs as Afghanistan registered a comprehensive win.

Sadiq's 91 off 60 balls with nine boundaries and five sixes was the highlight of the Afghanistan innings. He got good support from the rest of the line-up.

For Denmark, Bobby Chawla (2-36) and Sair Anjum (2-34) picked up the wickets.

Denmark's chase never took off Sadiq spun a web around them with his bowling.

Afghanistan skipper Nawroz Mangal picked up 2-14 to back Sadiq's show. For Denmark only Kamran Mahmood (25 n.o.) made any substantial contribution.

Denmark captain Michael Pedersen was a disappointed man at the end of the game. "We are learning all the time during this tournament. Today we learnt about shot selection from the Afghan batsmen. They were just too good for us. We did bowl well to restrict them to 172. But it was maybe an above par total here at Sharjah," said Pedersen.

Afghanistan's man of the moment Sadiq was ecastic about his all-round show. "This was my best day in Twenty20 cricket. I love to entertain and so I love Twenty20 cricket. I am glad that I could contribute to the team's win today. We are looking good and want to keep up the winning momentum," said Sadiq.

Brief Scores

Afghanistan 172-5, 20 overs (Karim Sadiq 91, Nawroz Mangal 22; Sair Anjum 2-34, Bobby Chawla 2-36)

Denmark 83-9, 20 overs (Kamran Mahmood 25 n.o.; Karim Sadiq 4-12, Nawroz Mangal 2-14)

Result: Afghanistan won by 89 runs

Man of the Match: Karim Sadiq (Afghanistan)