Afghanistan beat Scotland

BUDERIM: A dramatic collapse from Scotland meant they succumbed to a 10-run defeat to Afghanistan in Buderim, and finished bottom of Group B with three losses in three games.

Chasing 192, Scotland looked to be cruising at 120 for 2 in the 32nd over. Twelve overs, seven wickets and 38 runs later, Afghanistan were in charge.

Even after the slide had begun though, Scotland still looked favourites. They began the final ten overs of the chase needing just 43, with five wickets in hand. But Afghanistan struck four times in four overs from then on, squashing all lingering Scottish hope. At the start of the 49th, Scotland, nine down, needed 13 off 12. Medium pacer Yamin Ahmadzai responded by bowling five dot balls to No. 11 Gavin Main. The match eventually ended with four balls remaining, Main run out - the fourth such dismissal of the innings - by wicketkeeper Afsar Khan. While the Afghanistan bowlers and fielders shared the spoils, the only contribution of note with the bat for Scotland was from opener Ross McLean, who made 67.

The Afghanistan innings followed a similar path to Scotland's in that the major contribution came from the top of the order: opener Javed Ahmadi top scored with 71. The line-up struggled to get partnerships going, with only three pairs touching 30 - the biggest stand of the innings was 39, for the ninth wicket. Most of the damage was inflicted by new-ball bowler Ruaidhri Smith and fast bowler Main, with both taking four apiece. However, Afghanistan's batsmen managed to do just enough to set up the win.