Bowlers put Afghanistan on top

Canada 130 (Siddiqi 52, Hassan 7-61) and 176 for 7 (Tariq 52, Hassan 3-24) lead Afghanistan 293 (Shenwari 70, Shahzad 56, Hussain 3-56) by 13 runs
Scorecard

A strong bowling performance from Afghanistan helped them take control of their Intercontinental Cup match against Canada at King City. After no play was possible on the second day due to rain, fast bowler Hamid Hassan ran through the Canada batting line-up on the third day, allowing Afghanistan to enforce the follow-on. Canada struggled in their second innings and had managed a lead of 13 at stumps, with just three wickets in hand.

Hassan, who picked up four wickets on day one to leave Canada tottering at 21 for 4, continued in the same vein on the third day, picking up three early wickets to leave Canada in a shambles at 70 for 7. Only No. 7 Zeeshan Siddiqi offered some resistance with a half-century, before offspinner Mohammad Nabi struck to pick up the final three wickets as Canada were bowled out for a paltry 130, 163 runs adrift of Afghanistan's first-innings total of 293.

Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal had no hesitation in enforcing the follow-on. Once again Hassan struck early as Canada stumbled to 30 for 3. However, their middle order showed more fight; Hamza Tariq made an aggressive 52 with four fours and three sixes, while there were handy contributions from Zubin Surkari (35) - who was dismissed for obstructing the field - and Siddiqi (23). Harvir Baidwan (29*) and Tariq put on the most substantial partnership of the innings for Canada - 81 for the seventh wicket - before Tariq was dismissed in the penultimate over before stumps to leave Canada at 176 for 7, a lead of just 13.