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DUBAI (SW); Afghanistan’s national cricket team bid farewell to one of its pioneering player with a magnificent victory against Ireland in the final of the Desert T20.
In a rather one-sided final, the Afghan side outclassed Ireland to lift the trophy. Batting first, Ireland crashed to just 71 in the 14th over of the given 20 overs. All five bowlers tried by Afghanistan proved lethal to the Irish side which outshined Scotland to reach to the final. Mohammad Nabi bagged four Irish wickets.
Afghanistan chased this meager target in the 10th over with Mohammad Shahzad firing 52 of just 40 balls.
This was the last match for veteran Afghan batsman Nawroz Mangal. He was feted with a red-carpet ceremony 10 minutes prior to the first ball. According to the cricinfo, Mangal’s team-mates created a guard of honour, arcing their bats for him to walk through and on to the field at the start of play. Former team-mates not in the current squad such as Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan flew in to be at the game not only to support the entire team, but as a sign of respect for their beloved ex-captain.
ENDS
