Sadiq stars yet again for Afghanistan

Afghanistan continued its impressive winning run in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012 with yet another win.

Afghanistan beat Nepal by 34 runs in a Group A contest at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to further strengthen its claim for a place in the ICC World Twenty20 2012.

After opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted 157-6 in its 20 overs. In its reply, Nepal was restricted to 123-6 in 20 overs.

Earlier, Karim Sadiq's 52 off 39 balls with one boundary and three sixes was the key in Afghanistan's innings. Sadiq added 86 runs for the second wicket with Mohammad Shahzad (52: 43b, 3x4, 2x6).

For Nepal, Chandra Sawad (3-30) and skipper Paras Khadka (2-21) were the key wicket-takers.

In its reply, Nepal lost wickets at regular intervals. Anil Mandal (50: 49b, 4x4. 1x6) was the key contributor in the innings.

For Afghanistan, Dawlat Zadran (2-16) and Mohammad Nabi (2-27) were the key wicket-takers. Sadiq also ended with figures of 1-23.

Karim Sadiq's all-round efforts fetched him his second Man of the Match award in two days. "As I mentioned yesterday, we want to keep winning and end the league stage unbeaten. I am glad I was able to contribute yet again with the bat for the side. My partnership with Shahzad turned the innings around for us."

Scores in Brief

Afghanistan v Nepal, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Afghanistan 157-6, 20 overs (Karim Sadiq 52, Mohammad Shahzad 52; Chandra Sawad 3-30, Paras Khadka 2-21)

Nepal 123-6, 20 overs (Anil Mandal 50, Paras Khadka 24; Dawlat Zadran 2-16, Mohammad Nabi 2-27, Karim Sadiq 1-23)

Result: Afghanistan won by 34 runs

Man of the Match: Karim Sadiq (Afghanistan)