Afghanistan cricket team lose to Pakistan in landmark match

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Afghanistan's Samiullah (right) plays a shot in front of Pakistan's wicketkeeper Umar Akmal

Afghanistan suffered a seven-wicket loss to Pakistan in their first ever one-day international against a Test-playing nation in Sharjah.

Half-centuries from Younus Khan and Imran Farhat ensured Pakistan comfortably chased down Afghanistan's 195 all out with 12.5 overs to spare.

Opener Karim Sadiq top-scored for Afghanistan with 40, while Pakistan's Shahid Afridi took 5-36.

Despite the war, Afghanistan is one of the fastest growing cricket nations.

The country earned one-day international status in 2009 while narrowly failing to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, although they did qualify for the 2010 World Twenty20.

Afghanistan will once again attempt to reach this year's World Twenty20 when the qualifying tournament gets under way in the United Arab Emirates next month.

Pakistan's win maintained their unbeaten tour of the UAE, having beaten England 3-0 in the recent Test series.

They begin their four-match ODI series against England in Abu Dhabi on Monday.