Afghanistan's Nabi takes Wayanad home with all-round show

Dubai: Afghanistan's star all-rounder Mohammad Nabi used the Kerala Premier League (KPL) to gear up for the high-profile One Day International match against Pakistan on February 10 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium with a sparkling all-round performance.

Nabi, playing for Trotters Wayanad Highlanders, hit an unbeaten 47 and also bagged three wickets to ensure a 63-run victory over Thumbay Kasargod Leopards at the International Cricket Council Global Cricket Academy ground.

Batting first, Wayanad got off to a breezy start with openers Amjad Ali and Raziq Khan putting on 51 runs in just five overs. Khan hit 43 before becoming the victim of Sri Lanka's Under-19 bowler Mohammad Aslam Ghouse.

Wayanad's Sri Lankan international Dilhara Lokuhettige joined Ali and put on another 66 for the second wicket. After Ali fell for 47, Nabi took charge and hit five sixes and two boundaries to score an unbeaten 47 in just 21 balls. Lokuhettige remained unconquered with 43 to ensure Wayanad compiled an impressive total of 189 for two in 20 overs.

Kasargod started on a positive note with Shakoor Khan and Amjad Gul (14) putting on 30 in five overs. They however lost their momentum against some tight spin bowling. Wayanad are now in second place with four points from two victories, while Alleppey are top with six points.

Brief scores:

Trotters Wayanad Highlanders 189 for 2 in 20 overs(Amjad Ali 47, Raziq Khan 43, Dilhara Lokuhettige 43 n.o., Mohammad Nabi 47 n.o.) Thumbay Kasargod Leopards 126 for 7 in 20 overs (Harooon Ifthikar 31 n.o., Mohammad Nabi 3 for 25, Nasir Aziz 2 for 24). Man of the Match: Mohammad Nabi.