Afghani player Hamid Hassan (centre) celebrates with teammates after taking wicket of Hong Kong player Baber Hayat (unseen) during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Twenty20 cup final in Kathmandu on December 11, 2011 (AFP/File)
Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) (AFP) – Afghanistan moved to within just one victory of a place in the World Cup 2015 after beating Kenya by eight wickets in the first of two one-day internationals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Kenya chose to bat but were skittled out for 89 runs in 37.5 overs, Hamid Hassan claiming 4-19.
In reply, Nawroz Mangal hit three fours and four sixes in a 60-ball 52, and Mohammad Shahzad scored a 41-ball 33 as Afghanistan achieved victory for the loss of two wickets inside 18 overs.
The two openers put on 79 runs for the first wicket in just over 16 overs.
Brief scores
Kenya: 89 all out in 37.5 overs (Morris Ouma 24, Ragheb Aga 18; Hamid Hassan 4-19, Samiullah Shinwari 2-14, Shahpur Zadran 2-16)
Afghanistan: 95-2 in 17.5 overs (Nawroz Mangal 52 not out, Mohammad Shahzad 33; Hiren Varaiya 2-12)
Result: Afghanistan beat Kenya by eight wickets
Remaining fixture (0500 GMT): October 4, 2nd ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
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