29 April,2010 07:31 AM IST | | AFP
Afghanistan cruised to a five-wicket win over Ireland in their World Twenty20 warm-up yesterday, showing that they are ready for their world championship debut.
Ireland made 133-9 off their 20 overs with John Mooney top-scoring with 42 but debutant seamer Dawlat Ahmadzai stole the show with 4-15 before Afghanistan reached their target with three balls to spare in Guyana.
While batting, Afghanistan showed their all-round mettle with Ashghar Stanikzai and Mohammad Nabi adding 66 for the fifth wicket in six overs.
Elsewhere, a fine unbeaten 61 from Chamara Kapugedera was in vain as Sri Lanka slumped to a five-wicket defeat to South Africa with three balls to spare in Barbados. SL post 137 for 8 before a 61-run partnership between Mark Boucher and Johan Botha saw SA win.
Later, England eased past Bangladesh by seven wickets. Bangladesh were limited to 126-7 before Ravi Bopara hit 62 from 48 balls to steer England to victory in the 18th over.
