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Asia Cup: Shahzad's superlative century powers Afghanistan to 252

Asia Cup: Shahzad's superlative century powers Afghanistan to 252

Mohammad Shahzad

Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant century and Mohammad Nabi's perfect cameo powered Afghanistan to a total of 252 for the loss of eight wickets against India on Tuesday.

Electing to bat, Afghan's Shahzad was the sole player on whom the team was dependentbefore nabi took the driver's seat.

The opener was in action from the very first ball and played magnificently against the Indian bowling attack to slam 124 runs.

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Dropped at 49 by Ambati Rayudu, Shahzad slammed 11 boundaries and 7 huge sixes in his 116-ball inning, which was finally ended by Kedhar Jadhav.

Afghans could have put a high target if Shahzad would have found an ally in the downline. Apart from him no other player, till Nabi arrived, could stand the Indian attack and were dismissed in quick successions.

Nabi's 56-ball 64 runs cameo was supported with three boundaries and four sixes. He played at a strike rate of 114.29, much better than what Shahzad's had today.

Khaleel Ahmed was the man who took Nabi's wicket to restrict Afghanistan's score.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja took two and three wickets, respectively, to keep Afghanistan in control.

India, who is being captained by MS Dhoni, will have to display a better class of batting to win the game.

Even if India lose, they will still be playing the Asi Cup final, after they registered a comfortable victory against Bangladesh and Pakistan earlier to book a spot.