Minnows Afghanistan received a twin boost ahead of a make-or-break 2011 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Super 8 clash against mighty Ireland in South Africa today.
Star batsman-wicketkeeper Karim Sadiq is available after serving a one-match suspension for attempting to trip a Dutch opponent during a first-round game. And spinner Nusratullah Nasrat, a replacement for ineligible Riffatullah Momand, arrived on Thursday and will also be considered for selection by coach Kabir Khan.
After consecutive first round losses to Kenya, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan enter the second phase of the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup desperately seeking a change of fortune. But the odds are stacked against them as Ireland are on a roll, winning all their first round matches against Uganda, defending champions Scotland, Oman, Canada and Namibia.
The Irish, shock conquerors of Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, are favored not only to overcome the Afghans, but win the tournament and clinch one of four qualifying places for the one-day cricket showpiece. Former Pakistan Test cricketer Khan accepts the tag of outsiders, but says he continues to dream of Afghanistan tackling giants like South Africa, Australia and India at the World Cup.
“Our mission of qualifying for the World Cup is very difficult now as we probably need to win all four Super 8 fixtures, but that dream remains deep inside me,” Khan said. “We have learnt from mistakes made against other teams, especially the better ones like Kenya and the Netherlands, and will carry that experience into the Super 8.”
In other games today, the Netherlands appear too strong for Namibia, but Canada v Kenya, and Scotland v United Arab Emirates appear evenly balanced.
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