Afghanistan wins place in ICC world cup 2015, Both groups ready

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Afghanistan cricket team riding high on the all-round show by captain Mohammad Nabi has secured place in ICC world cup 2015 by defeating Kenya by 7 wickets.

Afghanistan has become the second side to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 after Ireland qualifying earlier.

The groups announced after Afghanistan’s victory over Kenya :

Team A                                                                                                              Team B

Australia                                                                                                             India
New Zealand                                                                                                     South Africa
England                                                                                                               Pakistan
Sri Lanka                                                                                                            West Indies
Bangladesh                                                                                                        Zimbabwe
Afghanistan                                                                                                       Ireland
One qualifier will be added to both groups next year.
Afghanistan became an ICC affiliate member in 2001 and were granted associate status in 2013 after successive appearances at the World Twenty20. The team made its appearance at ICC world event in 2008 and 2010.The Asian team won the qualifier against Kenya easily. Kenya was restricted for a meager 93 runs thanks to the superb bowling performances by Afghani bowlers.
Captain Mohammad Nabi raised the pillar of victory by his all-round performance hitting 46 not out in 42 balls with three fours and two sixes and scalping two wickets in his bowling spell.Afghan Bowling Performance was great.
Hamza Hotak claimed three for 19 along with Nabi, Karim Sadiq and Hamid Hassan each claiming 2 wickets.
Former Pakistan Pace bowler and Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan was excited with the result. “I’m lost for words. This is the best day of my coaching career. I had very few great and memorable days in my life and this is right up there. It has been a dream for so many years and now we have achieved it. It’s like a dream coming true.”
“There will be tremendous atmosphere in Afghanistan and I’m so happy for them. This year they’ll get two Eids to celebrate.”Afghanistan will play its opening match in World Cup 2015 Vs Bangladesh at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on 18 February, while remaining matches will be with Sri Lanka (22 February, Dunedin), Qualifier 3 (26 February, Dunedin), Australia (4 March, Perth), New Zealand (8 March, Napier) and England (13 March, Sydney).
Afghanistan cricket fans

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated Afghanistan Team and said: “Afghanistan has performed incredibly well in this tournament – Congratulations to the team, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and to the country for supporting them.”
After Afghanistan’s win, Mr Richardson said: “Afghanistan’s journey has been a remarkable one. It started in World Cricket League Division 5 in 2008, and will now make its maiden appearance at the ICC’s flagship 50-over event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Afghanistan is a talented team who will prove a competitive opponent for any team that comes up against it.Afghanistan’s rapid rise is a feather in the cap for the ICC’s Global Development Programme. The World Cricket League Championship has proven a great success, providing meaningful context for Associate and Affiliate cricket and a fantastic pathway for all teams to reach the pinnacle of the sport.”
“Well done also to the remaining six sides in the Championship, who have competed well over the two years of this competition. They will now have a second opportunity to qualify, alongside Hong Kong, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Uganda, at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014 in New Zealand, and I wish all ten sides the best of luck.”- He added.

Brief Score (Afghanistan Vs Kenya) :

Kenya 93 all out, 43.3 overs (Morris Ouma 39, Rakep Patel 18; Hamza Hotak 3-19, Karim Sadiq 2-10, Mohammad Nabi 2-10, Hamid Hassan 2-11)

Afghanistan 96-3, 20.5 overs (Mohammad Nabi 46 not out, Nawroz Mangal 19, Hashmatullah Shaidi 13 not out; Shem Ngoche 2-30)

 

Published by vivek

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