Afghanistan could not have asked for a better start to their ICC Intercontinental Cup match against the UAE as Ihsanullah and Rahmat Shah both scored centuries on the opening day in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Batting first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Afghanistan displayed their batting strength that has put them to the top of the standings by closing play 321-3 after 96 overs.

Much of that was down largely thanks to a mammoth 197-run second wicket stand between Ihsanullah and Shah. Having lost Javed Ahmadi for six, the pair frustrated the UAE with Ihsanullah smashing 124 off 242 deliveries (13 fours and one six), while Shah hit 103 (12 fours) from 191 balls.

Both fell to pacer Mohammed Naveed and spinner Ahmed Raza but captain Asghar Stanikzai’s unbeaten 67 saw the team pass the 300-mark.

This will be the last four-day match that Afghanistan will play after being awarded Test status, along with Ireland by the ICC in June.