Afghans finish runners-up in Khaleej Cricket Tournament

Reported by Pakhtun Sahar & translated by Mudassir
Pajhwok Report

ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Bahrain staged an audacious comeback to outplay Afghanistan by three wickets in the final of the five-nation Khaleej Cricket Tournament played in Kuwait City on Friday.

Afghanistan, electing to bat first, 195 were restricted to 195, with Abdul Nasir contributing a solid 49, followed by Raees Ahmad with 34. Other Afghan batsmen, however, went out cheaply in the crucial encounter.

But 195 was in no way a fighting total on a track full of runs, as proved by Asghar Baaj's breezy knock of 65 that enabled Bahrain to lift the coveted trophy. Lack of penetration and strike cost the Afghans dearly, dashing their victory hopes.

Despite a top order collapse triggered by Mohammad Nabi's fiery spell, Bahrain went on to emerge as champions - in a confident fashion indeed. At one point in the duel when the chips were down, Bahrain maintained their cool, poise and balance while chasing the target. And they carried the day.

Taj Malook, manager of Afghanistan's Cricket Federation, regretted the defeat in a chat with Pajhwok Afghan News. He said the trouncing - with a tinge of hard luck - was all the more painful in that it came after a string of successive wins registered by his team.

Afghan skipper Raees Ahmad, speaking to this scribe by phone from Kuwait City, said they had set the rivals a good target but Bahrain's batsmen exhibited extraordinary application, focus and courage.

He continued: "Though we lost the final to an experienced opposition, yet we have learnt a great deal from every match we played" during the championship featuring Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Bahrain.