Warming up: Afghanistan have hit their stride in ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier Photo: AP

Afghanistan, cheered on by a vocal crowd of over 1,000 in Dubai, have secured a place in the Super Fours stage of the ICC (International Cricket Council) World Twenty20 Qualifiers with a 29-run victory over the United States.

Starting slowly, Afghanistan scored just 19 runs from their first five overs and lost opener Mohammad Shahzad without scoring.

Partner Noor Ali hit three successive fours off first change bowler Imran Awan but was run out in Awan's next over. Captain Nowroz Mangal (30) was also run out. But their top five regrouped and managed to post 135-4 off their 20 overs.

The US tried to adopt a similar approach but Nabi and Hamid Hassan, who took four wickets in the previous game against Scotland, ensured wickets fell at regular intervals and the runs dried up. Hassan finished with a tidy spell of 3-14 in his four overs while Nabi ended on 2-22.

Afghanistan now join hosts United Arab Emirates, who have already qualified for the next stage.

The US opened the tournament with a win over Scotland but followed that up with consecutive losses to Group A rivals Ireland and Afghanistan.

If Scotland beat Ireland, all three teams will be locked on two points each with net run-rate deciding which team qualifies with Afghanistan.

In Group B, UAE beat Canada by 42 runs for its third consecutive victory and will be joined in the Super Fours by one of Kenya or Netherlands.