Shahzad, bowlers help Afghanistan seal series

ABU DHABI: Mohammad Shahzad struck 60 off 46 balls and the bowlers throttled the chase as Afghanistan beat Oman to take the T20 series 2-0 in Abu Dhabi.

Having been inserted, Afghanistan had a strong start despite the early loss of Usman Ghani. Shahzad was circumspect early on before launching sixes off Ajay Lalcheta and Mohammad Nadeem.

Shahzad then went onto reach his fifty off 38 balls with a lofted six over midwicket. Asghar Stanikzai and Karim Sadiq assisted Shahzad with useful contributions before Shafiqullah gave more impetus at the death with an 18-ball 32. Afghanistan plundered 51 off the last five overs to finish with 160.

After picking up two wickets, Zeeshan Maqsood started the chase with a six and four fours but was dismissed in the third over for 24.

Aaqib Sulheri's scratchy innings came to an end three overs later.

Khawar Ali and Jatinder Singh fought but struggled to keep up with the asking rate.

Yamin Ahmadzai took three wickets while Rokhan Barakzai and Sayed Shirzad collected two wickets each as Oman eventually came up short by 12 runs.