Afghanistan XI humble Uzbekistan in solitary T20

KHOST: Hassan Eisakhil's swashbuckling century, followed by a collective bowling effort, helped Afghanistan XI inflict a massive 199-run defeat on Uzbekistan in the only T20 here at the Rahmat Wali Masroor Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Put into bat first in the home fixture, Afghanistan XI dominated Uzbekistan's bowling attack and piled up a humongous total of 323/7 in 20 overs, Eisakhil's sensational ton.

The right-handed opener spearheaded Afghanistan XI's batting charge with a blazing 120 off 34 deliveries, studded with 16 sixes and four fours, which earned him the Player of the Match award.

He also shared a sensational 181-run opening partnership with captain Imran Mir, who made 74 off just 32 deliveries, smashing seven fours and five sixes.

Besides them, the middle-order trio of Faisal Shinozada (31), Noor ul Rahman (29) and Keramatullah (21) made notable contributions to the home side's total at the backend.

For Uzbekistan, Merajuddin and Amanullah bagged two wickets each, while Javohir Mustafoev and Qudratov could pick up one apiece.

Set to chase a daunting 324-run target, Uzbekistan could muster 124/7 in their 20 overs against a disciplined Afghanistan XI bowling attack despite Merajuddin's valiant half-century.

The middle-order batter remained the top-scorer for the visitors with a 46-ball 62, comprising 12 fours, while opener Rashid Khan and captain Asadbek Musaev, 19 each, and top-order batter Luqman Hussan (12) were the others to amass double figures.

For Afghanistan XI, Wafadar Momand, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil and captain Mir bagged two wickets each, while Faridoon Dawoodzai chipped in with one scalp.