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Rediff.com  » Sports » Rain washes out Afro-Asia Cup decider

Rain washes out Afro-Asia Cup decider

August 21, 2005 23:44 IST
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Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan took three wickets as Asia skittled Africa for 106 before the third and deciding match in the inaugural Afro-Asia Cup was abandoned because of rain on Sunday.

- Scorecard

Asia, in their reply, were reduced to eight for two after just three overs when driving rain forced the umpires to suspend play.

The series ended level at 1-1.

Zaheer (3-21) claimed three wickets for the second match in succession while Shoaib Akhtar (2-16) bowled with searing pace to reduce the home side to 26 for five in 13 overs.

Africa's top six batsmen all failed to reach double figures as the Asian pace attack made merry under leaden grey skies and in an atmosphere thick with moisture.

Graeme Smith's return from an ICC-imposed four-match ban for slow over rates lasted just five deliveries before Shoaib trapped him lbw for nought.

Shaun Pollock came to the crease at 35 for six and added some respectability to the score with an aggressive 44 not out, hammering six fours in 35 balls.

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Only two other players reached double figures, Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu, with 10, and compatriot Heath Streak, 14.

Bowled out in just 32.5 overs, Africa's bowlers were given the chance to exploit the conditions and did so immediately when Dale Steyn bowled Virender Sehwag for five and Pollock had Shahid Afridi caught at mid wicket for a duck.

Rain had delayed the start of the match by an hour and 45 minutes and interrupted the contest for the final time three overs into Asia's innings with Kumar Sangakkara unbeaten on one and Mahela Jayawardene yet to score.

Africa won the first match in Centurion by two runs before Asia levelled the series with a 17-run win on Saturday.

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Source: REUTERS
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