Afghanistan beat Scotland by eight wickets today in the opening match of a tri-series between the two countries and Ireland.
With the game reduced to 45 overs a side because of foggy conditions at the ICC Academy in Dubai, Afghanistan won the toss and put Scotland into bat.
Once the fog lifted and the game got under way Callum MacLead was dismissed in the first over when Dawlat Zadran found the edge.
Kyle Coetzer (22) was joined at the crease by Hamish Gardiner and the pair set about starting the innings again, albeit slowly at first. Coetzer eventually fell just before the pair reached a 50 partnership, and captain Preston Mommsen followed quickly leaving Scotland struggling on 55-3.
Gardiner went on to anchor the innings, falling just short of his maiden ODI century with a superb 96. He was supported by Matt Machan (24) and Matthew Cross (28) before a quick fire 22 from Josh Davey pushed the final total up to 237-8.
Afghanistan got off to a flying start, and even after a maiden over first up, openers Usman Ghani and Javed Ahmadi reached 72-0 after the first ten overs.
The pair continued until Ghani fell for 48 with the score on 121, Ahmadi following shortly after for 74, Richie Berrington taking both wickets.
Those wickets gave Scotland hope, but Asfar Nazai and Nasir Jamal came to the crease and comfortably guided Afghanistan to the win, with Nazai finishing 52 not out, and Jamal 48 not out, missing out on a half century when the game was won with four byes from the last ball of the 38th over.
The win sees Afghanistan take two points, with no bonus points on offer during the series. The next match in the series is on Saturday when Ireland take on Afghanistan.
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Connaught
