On the face of it, Ireland and Afghanistan don't have too much in common. But for all the cultural, religious and economic diversities, their cricketing histories are remarkably comparable.
Are Ireland the biggest of the small fries? Can Scotland return to the top of the table? Do the Dutch have the ability to go all the way? Ryan Bailey's preview has the answers.
Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi believes his team can comfortably reach a third successive World Twenty20 and complete a memorable year which also saw the war-hit nation break through to a maiden World Cup.
Defending champions Ireland and high-flying Afghanistan are among 16 countries vying for six places at the 2014 World Twenty20 with qualification to be held in the United Arab Emirates next month, cricket's governing body announced Thursday.
Afghanistan's cricket team received a heroes' welcome on Saturday as cheering crowds lined the streets and packed a stadium in Kabul to greet the players after they qualified for the 2015 World Cup.
Afghanistan qualified for the 2015 World Cup by beating Kenya in Friday's ICC World Cricket League Championship fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Before the Ashes began, what feels like eons ago, we at C365 made a number of predictions, just for the fun of it. Turns out we're pretty average at guessing the future, but we did get a few things right. Kind of...
Pakistan have announced their tour dates and fixtures for a series against Sri Lanka at the end of the year, which will feature three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s, all to be played in the United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan secured a 27-run win - and one-nil lead in their two-match series against Scotland - in Sunday's first Twenty20 International at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
A record-breaking 99 not out from batsman Luke Wright and a thoroughly professional, all-round performance with the ball carried England to a resounding 116-run triumph over Afghanistan.
Afghanistan were the best of the minnow sides to compete at the World Twenty20 thus far, doing better than Zimbabwe or Ireland despite losing by 23 runs against India in Colombo.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq wants fast-improving teams like Afghanistan to play more international matches against Test-playing nations in order to gauge their progress in a better fashion.
