Afghanistan qualify for 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.
Afghanistan qualified for the 2015 World Cup by beating Kenya in Friday's ICC World Cricket League Championship fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The seven-wicket win secured the minnow nation their first ever appearance in the ODI showpiece, which will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Captain Mohammad Nabi's decision to bowl first after winning the toss enjoyed early reward, with opposition openers Gurdeep Sing and Irfan Karim dismissed for a mere one and three respectively.
The initial breakthroughs set a precedent for the remainder of the innings and Kenya's total would have read considerably poorer, were it not for wicketkeeper-batsman Morris Ouma's standalone 39.
Ultimately, the downcast African outfit managed a mere 93 all out in 43.3 overs – a paltry score akin to the 89 and 56 endured in fixtures against the spirited Afghan unit earlier this month.
While fast bowler Hamid Hassan and spinners Karim Sadiq and Nabi secured a brace each, left-armer Hamza Hotak was the pick of the bowlers thanks to figures of three for 19 in 10 clinical overs.
Afghanistan's reply weathered an early wobble in the wake of opener Mohammad Shahzad's fall for a single, but a second-wicket alliance of 32 between the talented Asghar Stanikzai and former skipper Nawroz Mangal soon rectified.
All-rounder Nabi, leading from the front to the fullest extent, was later at hand for a quickfire 46 not out from a mere 42 deliveries, a trio of fours and twin sixes included. Fittingly, the captain struck the winning runs.
"I can't express my feelings. It is a very big day in my life. I'm sure there will be huge celebrations back home. I'm happy for the people of Afghanistan and look forward to playing in Australia and New Zealand," enthused Nabi, after the match.
"I didn't expect to play in a World Cup when I started playing cricket. But now I can cherish this moment and look forward to playing against the best sides in some of the best playing facilities."
The triumph, achieved with all of 175 balls to spare, saw Afghanistan join Ireland as the second Associate team in the 2015 World Cup. The remaining two berths will be decided by a qualifying tournament in New Zealand in 2014.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.