Afghanistan made India slug it out in their pursuit of a 253-run target during their inconsequential Asia Cup tie here at the Dubai International Stadium last night. At the time of going to press, India were 226 for seven with Ravindra Jadeja [batting on nine] waging a lone battle. India, who gave the opportunity to five players that had been on the bench since the first game, were provided with a strong start by KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu after regular openers — stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan — were rested yesterday.

The duo batted with authority and dominated the bowling for a century stand to put India almost on the victory path. However, the departure of the opening pair led to a collapse as India lost five wickets for just 78 runs. Mohammad Nabi, who had scored a valuable 64 after a superb century by potbellied opener Mohammed Shehzad that helped Afghanistan post a healthy 252 for eight, was successful in giving his team the first breakthrough by dismissing Rayudu for 57. He also removed Dinesh Karthik, who was looking dangerous during his 44-run knock.