World Twenty20: Nabi stars against Hong Kong as Afghanistan set up Zimbabwe showdown

Afghanistan set up a winner-take-all showdown with Zimbabwe as they aim to progress to the World Twenty20 Super 10 stage, beating Hong Kong by six wickets thanks to a fine bowling showing from Mohammad Nabi.

Having seen off Scotland by 14 runs in their opener, Afghanistan produced a dominant performance to eliminate Hong Kong from contention.

And it was Nabi who proved the key, taking 4-20 from his four overs as Hong Kong were restricted to 116-6.

Mohammad Shahzad, who scored 61 in the defeat of Scotland, starred again in an ultimately successful run chase with 41, ensuring a decisive meeting with Zimbabwe on Saturday.

It looked as if Hong Kong were going to cause problems for Afghanistan when openers Jamie Atkinson (16) and Ryan Campbell (27) put on 40 for the first wicket.

But the latter’s exit at the hands of Nabi prompted a capitulation from Hong Kong.

Nabi claimed his second wicket as Babar Hayat (0) paid for a loose shot two balls later, with Atkinson and Mark Chapman (8) soon following.

Anshuman Rath (28 not out) proved the only pillar of stability in the Hong Kong middle order, but he found little in the way of support as Nabi continued to do damage.

Shahzad put Afghanistan on course for victory in their pursuit of Hong Kong’s meagre total, hitting four boundaries and two maximums in an opening partnership of 70 with Noor Ali Zadran (35).

Nabi (17) kept the scoreboard ticking over after Shahzad’s departure with an 11-ball cameo and Najibullah Zadran (17 not out) ensured triumph with his third four in nine deliveries.