Afghanistan bounced back in impressive style to beat the Auckland Aces by nine wickets on the back of a rollicking century by opener Usman Ghani.

Played across two days due to the inclement weather, the visiting nation turned around a 17- run loss in the opening match to cruise to victory in the corresponding fixture.

But the busiest team at the Bay Oval match on Saturday were the ground staff, who were continuously on-and-off the field covering the wicket.

Play was eventually abandoned at 3.45pm with just 19.3 overs played.

Auckland won the toss and elected to bat, but lost their two openers for 13 runs before Jeet Raval steadied the ship with a fighting 33 in what were adverse weather conditions.

Part two of the 45 over contest started at 12.30pm on Sunday, with the Aces continuing their turn at bat at 58/4, but they suffered a setback when Colin Munro retired hurt.

Batting at seven, Brad Cachopa top scored with 49, while Rob Nicol also made a solid contribution with 38 runs as Auckland finished their overs at 201/8.

Opening Afghanistan bowler Dawlat Zadran impressed, taking three wickets for 30 runs.

Chasing a revised target of 200, Afghanistan made a grand start, posting 50 runs in as many minutes.

From there the opening pair of Usman Ghani and Nawroz Mangal upped the ante with Ghani smashing a century before being bowled by Donovan Grobbelar for 107.

Mangal was still at the crease with an unbeaten 77, as his side posted a nine wicket victory.

The cricket action at the Bay Oval continues this week, with Auckland squaring off with the Northern Knights today before Afghanistan return to play ND twice during the week.

Afghanistan versus Auckland Aces, October 5:

Auckland, 201/8 (B Cachopa 49, RJ Nicol 38, JA Raval 33; Dawlat Zadran 3/30, Yamin Ahmadzai 2/46), lost to Afghanistan 202/1, (Usman Ghani 107, Nawroz Mangal 77).