Afghanistan, Namibia make it three in three
Favourites Afghanistan and Namibia were the only two sides left with perfect three-win records at the World Twenty20 qualifying tournament on Thursday.
Defending champions Afghanistan sank Denmark by 89 runs while Namibia overpowered the United States by 17 runs.
In other matches of the day, Canada routed Hong Kong by eight wickets, Kenya beat Oman by 35 runs and Papua New Guinea defeated Nepal, also by 35 runs.
Ireland defeated Italy by two wickets, Scotland beat Uganda by 34 runs and the Netherlands edged Bermuda by four runs.
After three rounds of matches in the 16-team event, Afghanistan lead Group A with three wins from as many matches while the Netherlands, Canada and Nepal have two wins from three matches.
In Group B, Namibia lead the pack, followed by a four-way tie for the second place between Italy, Uganda, Ireland and Scotland.
Afghanistan opener Karim Sadiq turned in a fine all-round performance (91 and four for 12) to steal the show in his side's 89 runs win over Denmark.
Sadiq's 91 came off 60 balls and included nine fours and five sixes.
"This was my best day in Twenty20 cricket. I love to entertain and so I love Twenty20 cricket. I am glad that I could contribute to the team's win. We are looking good and want to keep up the winning momentum," he said.
Namibia defeated the USA by 17 runs with opener Raymond van Schoor striking a fine 79 and former captain Craig Williams chipped in with 41 as Namibia posted 177 for four. In turn, the USA fought gallantly before finishing at 160 for seven.
Man of the match van Schoor slapped 11 fours and after putting on 49 for the first wicket with Gerrie Snyman (29), he added 56 for the third wicket with Williams whose 41 came off 26 balls and included two fours and three sixes.
In turn, the USA showed a lot of fight but ended up 17 runs short at 160 for eight with Aditya Mishra and Orlando Baker scoring 53 and 38, respectively.
At Abu Dhabi, Ireland claimed a tight victory by two wickets over Italy.
The Italians were lucky to make 100 in their 20 overs after captain Alessandro Bonora hit two sixes on his way to making 20 to ensure the side reached triple figures for the innings.
Former Australian international Michael di Venuto scored 23 off 44 balls.
Gary Wilson proved to be the batsman of note for Ireland after the 26-year-old right-hander hit 30 not out to guide the team home after the top order failed against strong Italian bowling led by Damian Crowley.
The tournament runs until March 24 with two sides eventually booking their places at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka in September and October.
