AFGHANISTAN suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan in their first ever one-day international against a Test-playing nation in Sharjah. Half-centuries from Younus Khan (70 not out) and Imran Farhat (52) ensured Pakistan comfortably chased down Afghanistan’s 195 all out with 12.5 overs to spare.
Opener Karim Sadiq top-scored with 40 for Afghanistan as they proved competitive in the face of Shahid Afridi’s five for 36.
Despite being gripped by war Afghanistan is one of the fastest growing cricket nations after earning one-day international status in 2009, as well as qualifying for the 2010 World Twenty20.
They will attempt to again qualify for this year’s World Twenty20 next month when they participate in the qualifying tournament in the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan’s win maintained their unbeaten tour of the UAE, after sweeping their Test series with England 3-0 and they begin their four-match ODI series against England in Abu Dhabi on Monday.