Dubai: Afghanistan recorded yet another historic victory at the Dubai Sports City International Cricket Stadium yesterday defeating Scotland by seven wickets to lift the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup.
It was from this stadium that Afghanistan had qualified for the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup in February last year. Yesterday they stopped Scotland who had clinched a 41-run lead in the first innings to win the $100,000 (Dh367,000) prize money.
Man of the match
Afghanistan bowlers Hamed Hassan, Samiullah Shenwari and Mirwais Ashraf took three wickets each to bowl out Scotland in the second innings for just 82 runs. The well-built medium pacer Hassan, who took five wickets in the first innings, returned with a match haul of 8 for 84 to be declared the man of the match.
Speaking about his spell after the final, Hassan said: "It wasn't easy bowling as I've got a bit of a heel injury but all that mattered was to win the final. I don't know from where I got the stamina to bowl but I was desperate to bowl my team to victory."
Scotland, who began the day at 64 for 6 with a lead of 105 runs, could add only 18 more runs before losing four more wickets. Ashraf took three wickets for just eight runs to quicken Scotland's end.
Chasing a target of 124 runs to win, opener Shabir Noori hit an elegant 35 runs while Mohammad Shahzad cracked an unbeaten 56 to ensure their team's victory in 26. 4 overs.
Former Pakistan Test star Rashid Latif, who is the coach of the Afghanistan team, said: "We're very happy to win this Cup the very first time in the competition. Previously, Ireland has won this tournament thrice, Scotland once and now Afghanistan for the first time. It is very pleasing for Afghanistan and especially very pleasing for me as their coach."
Scores
Scotland first innings 212, Afghanistan first innings 171, Scotland second innings 82 (Fraser Watts 28, Hamid Hassan 3 for 39, Samiullah Shenwari 3 for 15, Mirwais Ashraf 3 for 8)
Afghanistan second innings: 124 for 3 in 26.4 overs (Shabir Noori 35, Mohammad Shahzad 56, Matthew Parker 2 for 41).
