Afghanistan beat Scotland

NAGPUR, India (AP) -- Opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad and captain Asghar Stanikzai smashed half-centuries as Afghanistan defeated Scotland by 14 runs in the World Twenty20 yesterday.

Shahzad hit five fours and three sixes in a superb display of power hitting to make 61 off 39 balls, while Stanikzai's unbeaten 50-ball knock of 55 helped Afghanistan reach 170-5 in the first round Group B match.

Scotland couldn't capitalise on a solid opening stand of 84 runs off 53 balls between George Munsey (41) and Kyle Coetzer (40) to finish on 156-5, with Afghanistan hitting back through leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who took 2-28.

Zimbabwe earlier defeated Hong Kong by 14 runs in another Group B match. The top team will advance to the Super 10 stage and join England, West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa in Group 1.