Afghanistan and Namibia extended their unbeaten runs in the World Twenty20 qualifiers to five wins each on Sunday with Afghan all-rounder Samiullah Shenwari hitting a fifty and taking four wickets in the win over Canada.
Afghanistan defeated Canada by 41 runs to stay on top of Group A while Namibia defeated Kenya by seven wickets to head Group B.
In other crucial matches, the Netherlands made short work of Papua New Guinea by nine wickets to record their fourth win and Nepal beat Bermuda by 24 runs a third win in Group A.
In Group B, Ireland had the better of traditional rivals Scotland by 17 runs which gave William Porterfield’s side a fourth win while Italy are back in contention thanks to a 13-run victory over Uganda.
Shenwari’s performance stood out as the all-rounder first scored 61 off 34 balls with six fours and three sixes in his side’s 174 for eight against Canada.
He then returned figures of 4-0-14-4 as Canada was restricted to 133 for nine.
“I am grateful that I was given a chance to bat higher up the order. I am very happy to take four wickets and score 61 runs. We are all feeling very confident and I am hoping we will have six wins from six and then seven wins from seven,” he said.