Afghanistan survive tense finish to beat Hong Kong

Afghanistan recovered from their first day defeat to Uganda to beat Hong Kong by 13 runs on Sunday and get their World Cricket League Division Three campaign back on track.

The win also kept their hopes of reaching April's 2011 World Cup qualifier alive.

Hong Kong, who beat hosts Argentina on Saturday, were reduced to 90-8 at one stage as they chased a 202-run victory target but came close to an unlikely win with a ninth-wicket stand of 62 and 36 for the final wicket.

"There were plenty of nerves, but I was very confident in my team and it was a good win for us as it kept alive our hopes in the tournament," said Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan.

Afghanistan openers Karim Khan (36) and Shafiqullah Shafaq (24) put on 72, but when both fell within the space of three balls, Hong Kong managed to get back into the game.

Some excellent spin bowling from Nadeem Ahmed (2-23) and Najeeb Ahmed (2-35) helped contain the middle order although Mohammad Nabi (40) and Norooz Mangal (35) made crucial contributions.

Samiullah Shenwari, who made a half century against Uganda, hit 25 off 39 balls to help Afghanistan to 201 all out off 49.5 overs.

None of Hong Kong's top eight batsmen got beyond 20 but some late-order hitting from Moner Ahmed, who scored 49 off 38 balls, including three consecutive sixes off Mohammad Nabi, threatened a dramatic finish.

Number eleven Nadeem Ahmed then scored 27 off 18 balls, only to be dismissed by Nabi when a top-edged hook was caught on the boundary by Mawais Naziri.

"In the end it was a good effort, especially from Moner, as he looked like he was desperate to win the game and it could have gone either way," said Hong Kong skipper Tabarak Dar.

Papua New Guinea made it two wins in two with a 21-run victory against Argentina.

PNG were dismissed for just 127 in 33.5 overs before skipper Rarua Dikana took five wickets for the second consecutive day to lead his side to maximum points.

Uganda, who enjoyed a comfortable nine-wicket over Cayman Islands, also have two wins. The top two teams at the end of the week qualify for April's World Cup qualifier.