Scotland thumped by Afghanistan in World Cup qualifier

Scotland suffered a seven-wicket defeat by Afghanistan in a one-day World Cup qualification match in Sharjah.

Nawroz Mangal's unbeaten 112 proved decisive as the Afghans reached their target in the 34th over.

Scotland posted 199 for eight in the ICC World Cricket League Championship clash, with Richie Berrington top-scoring on 51.

But the Afghans got off to a strong start and the impressive Mangal hit six sixes to take control of the game.

Scotland remain second in the table behind Ireland on 11 points but the Netherlands and UAE now have a game in hand and are just one point behind, while Afghanistan have nine.

The top two nations automatically qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

With Scotland bowling far too many short balls on a flat track, Afghanistan lost just three wickets on their way to a comfortable victory.

Samiullah Shenwari finished on 55 not out, supporting the explosive hitting of opener Mangal.

Scotland's run rate of less than four an over was disappointing, with the boundary breached on just 15 occasions.

Matt Machan managed 44 but when he and Berrington fell in the space of two balls, the Scots could not muster the kind of finish required for a challenging total.

Yorkshire seam bowler Iain Wardlaw took two wickets for 52 runs in his first one-day international, while Majid Haq equalled John Blain's record of 41 wickets for Scotland with an lbw verdict against Rahmat Shah.

Scotland meet Afghanistan in Sharjah again on Friday in the same tournament.