Conclusive evidence from a team itching to get to play their first test match sooner than later, Afghanistan players brought the heat upon a sorry Hong Kong on Day 1 of their ICC Intercontinental Cup match at Mission Road ground.
Only Babar Hayat managed to play some lofty shots, none of the HK batsmen could manage to hold onto against the spin of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi & Zahir Khan. Dawlat Zadran also chipped in with 3 wickets on a well bowled Afghan unit in the 1st innings.
The day became furthermore sweeter as Javed Ahmadi (108 off 113) & Ihsanullah (63 off 82) provided the perfect start and after they both fell, Rahmat Shah (34 n.o off 52) & skipper Asghar Stanikzai (58 n.o off 40), carried onto take Afghanistan to 270/2 in only 47 overs at the days end of play. A first innings lead of 128 already and Afghanistan will look to bat only once to close out the match.
Anshuman Rath managed to pick up a solitary wicket as Ahmadi got run-out unluckily after reaching his century.
I-Cup (Stumps – Day 1):
Hong Kong 1st Innings 142 all out (Babar Hayat 39, Rashid Khan 5/65, Dawlat Zadran 3/15, Mohammad Nabi 1/13)
Afghanistan 1st Innings 270/2 (Javed Ahmadi 108, Ihsanullah 63, Asghar Stanikzai 58 n.o)
Afghanistan lead by 128 runs with 8 wickets remaining in 1st innings.
