Like winning,’ Says Afghan, Result ‘Not Fair’ According To Shahzad

It was an extraordinary night at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For the most part, it seemed India – the only unbeaten side in the six-team tournament – were on course for another comprehensive win.

That was the impression even when Mohammad Shahzad, the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman, blazed away, hammering a 116-ball 124 – the knock comprised 11 fours and seven sixes, and he tore apart the Indian bowlers.

It was akin to a win for Afghanistan, according to their captain, and the fact that India had their head in their hands while the Afghans did all the celebrating was telling. “Yeah, when you tie with a team like India, it’s like winning,” said Afghan. “They usually chase easily. It is good for the fans as well.

“On this type of (spinning) track, Shahzad played very positive cricket. What we saw today was the real Shahzad, unfortunately it came in the last match.”

Shahzad, however, wasn’t a fan of the tie. “Actually, I’m not happy with the result: hot weather, playing in the ground for six hours, it’s not fair,” he said, after accepting his Player of the Match award.

“I had planned to hit every ball today because we are leaving tomorrow. So I saw the ball, and hit it today. Feeling proud to have played against some good teams of Asia, so happy with my innings.”