When you think Afghanistan, you think of bombs in bazaars, landmines on roads, guns, abject poverty. But come May 1st, Afghanistan will play India in its first T20 World cup match ever at St. Lucia in the West Indies. Afghanistan managed to qualify for the tournament by beating Ireland and U.A.E. in the qualifiers in February. Afghanistan in T20 Cricket world cup: Group: C Other teams in group C: South Africa and India Prediction: May not win even a single game due to tough opponents in group C. Plus points: Unpredictable nature of T20, Lack of high expectation and lack of any idea on team. This event was met with great outpouring of joy in the streets of Kabul. These victories put Afghanistan in group C, considered a tough group, as India and South Africa, both strong teams are the other members. Afghanistan will play South Africa on May 5th at Barbados. But these teams cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly. The team members are a hardy lot as they have literally grown up in a conflict zone with their lives perpetually at risk. One can't expect such a team to be a meek minnow. The coach, Kabir Khan, is a former Pakistani fast bowler. He is confident that the Afghans can beat any other team. Most of the team members have learnt cricket from their neighbour, Pakistan. Last year, the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, granted permission to set up a national cricket board. Though the finance ministry has earmarked funds for the national cricket team, there is a lack of facilities, with Kabul, the capital having only 1 cricket ground. The 15 member Afghan squad consists of the following members : Nawroz Mangal (captain), Mohammad Nabi, Karim Sadiq, Mirwais Ashraf, Rais Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shahpoor Zadran, Shabir Noori, Sayed Nasrat, Shafiq Shafaq. Afghanistan Player profiles: Nawroz Mangal (captain): Mangal has been the captain of the national side of Afghanistan since 2007 . He is a right handed batsman and also bowls. This 25 year old made his … [Read more...]
First match preview: Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand
The opening game of the ICC T20 world Cup takes place in Providence, Guyana on Friday. New Zealand takes on Sri Lanka in Group B. Venue and conditions: There is rain around for these contests at Providence so don’t be surprised if we get a reduction in overs, especially with a game to fit in after this one. The toss is key with seven sides in 10 matches batting first and winning. The highest second innings total is 244. This is the first T20 international played there. Trivia: Shane Bond has taken 18 wickets against Sri Lanka in 13 matches. Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand: Sri Lanka: Sangakkara skippers the side which includes a few golden oldies such as Jayasuria, Murali, Dilshan and Jayawardene along with some promising youngsters, many of whom have already made a mark in one format or another. The excellent Lasith Malinga leads the pace bowling attack but significantly, Sangakkara is already talking up the significance of his options to take pace off the ball. Murali and Mendis are the front liners in this respect but Sri Lanka can call on at least three others who are more than useful. Dilshan had a really disappointing IPL and a return to the sort of form he showed in this tournament last year would be a major boost. If the wickets are spin friendly, I expect Sri Lanka to once again have a good tilt at this tournament. New Zealand: The Black Caps go in with the majority of their tried and trusted. Vettori has the likes of McCullum, Ryder, Taylor, Styris, Bond, Mills and Oram all of whom are dangerous customers in their respective disciplines but they seem to struggle to put it together at the same time. I quietly fancied them last season when they were also a double figures quote in the outright winner market but they were found wanting against the better sides. Ross Taylor only got going late in the IPL, too late to help the Royal Challengers to success, but he does look the prize wicket amongst the batsmen. Shane Bond’s return is most welcome, Mills is a good performer and Vettori himself can be relied upon to be economical but the strength of the remaining … [Read more...]
