Afghanistan in great fightback

AFGHANISTAN clawed their way back after India’s Shikhar Dhawan hit a blazing century yesterday as the minnows capped their astonishing rise from war and refugee camps to joining the sport’s elite.

Test cricket’s newest team were on the receiving end of some aggressive batting as Dhawan, who smashed 107, and Murali Vijay, who made 105, put on a 168-run opening stand after the hosts elected to bat first in Bangalore.

But the Afghan bowlers struck back with four wickets in the final session as the hosts slipped from 280/1 to 347 for six at stumps at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Fast bowler Yamin Ahmadzai, who gave Afghanistan their first Test scalp after getting Dhawan out early in the second session, led the attack with two wickets.

Hardik Pandya, on 10, and Ravichandran Ashwin, on seven, were at the crease when play ended after an extended final session, but only 78 overs were possible due to two rain interruptions.

Afghanistan have become one of only 12 nations sanctioned to play Tests, after defying heavy odds to emerge as a force in the game.

Afghan cricket grew out of refugee camps in Pakistan where many families were based after they fled conflict in the 1980s and 1990s.

Afghanistan last year achieved full member status of the International Cricket Council, making them one of only 12 Test teams. —