Afghans claim thumping victory over Scots

Afghanistan continued their domination of Scotland with a nine-wicket thrashing in the first ODI of a two-match series in Ayr.

Karim Sadiq and wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad struck unbeaten centuries to make a mockery out of a target of 225 which they chased in just 31 overs. Both players dealt in boundaries, Sadiq smashing 11 fours and three sixes and Shahzad, the more ruthless of the two, striking 15 fours in his 72-ball century. Any revival in Scottish hopes after the early wicket of Noor Ali Zadran was crushed by the unbeaten 218-run second wicket stand.

Earlier, Scotland were under pressure since the start in their innings but their lower order stepped up to take them to a respectable score of 225. Shapoor Zadran was expensive but claimed 3 wickets while the rest helped contain Scotland. Opener Fraser Watts top scored for them with 55.  At one stage, Scots were 141 for loss of 7 wickets and it seemed the Scots would be bowled out for under 200. However, captain Gordon Drummond chipped in with a quickfire 35 and the last 3 wickets added 83. Despite all of the Scottish efforts, Afghanistan won the battle by 9 wickets.