Afghanistan through to the final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE

Afghanistan secured passage to its third consecutive ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier final after defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the first semi-final at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

An all-round performance by man of the match Samiullah Shenwari saw Afghanistan chase down a modest 90-run target inside 15 overs, with Samiullah bagging three wickets and then scoring 24 not out.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands secured fifth spot in the tournament after defeating Hong Kong by seven wickets at Abu Dhabi Oval 1, thanks to a 22-ball 44 from opener Ben Cooper,  and Scotland’s Richie Berrington hit an unbeaten 70 to guide his side to a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) to earn seventh spot.

In the first semi-final broadcast live from Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan’sSamiullah Shenwari claimed three wickets for 19 runs and featured in a run out as Nepal was restricted to 90 for eight.

In the Afghanistan run chase, Samiullah (24 not out), who is one of four players to have claimed a five-for in this tournament, put on a 69-run partnership with Nawroz Mangal (48). Samiullah was still at the crease when Gulbodin Naib (12 not out) struck a six to seal a seven-wicket victory with 5.4 overs to spare.

Nepal’s Avinash Karn (two for 17) was the main wicket-taker.

This the third successive time that Afghanistan has reached the final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. In February 2010, it defeated Ireland by eight wickets, though the European side settled the score two years later when it won the March 2012 final by five wickets.

In Saturday’s final, Afghanistan will play the winner of the second semi-final featuring Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will be played under floodlights. The final, which will start at 1800 local time, will also be played under floodlights and will be televised live by the ICC’s broadcast partner STAR Sports and its licensees.

A delighted Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi said: “We will try our best tomorrow, because last time Ireland played very well in the final. God willing we will do well in tomorrow’s final. We will try our best, and try and win the final and the tournament.  Ireland will be tough opponents for Afghanistan.”

Man of the match Samiullah was also pleased to be in third consecutive final. “It is very exciting especially for me and my teammates; we for the third time are in this final, so we’re all happy.“I think we have been doing well in all the departments. I am happy and lucky to be part of the Afghanistan team.  It is all about the hard work from our coach, and my captain who believes in us and backs us always on the field.”

Also on Saturday, Nepal will face the loser of the second semi-final in the third/fourth position play-off at 1400 local time, also Saturday at Zayed Cricket Stadium.