Pakistani cricketers gather prior to start of a training session in Lahore yesterday. Pakistan and South Africa will play two Test, five one-day, and two Twenty20 series starting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 14.
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: Afghanistan moved to within just one victory of a place in the World Cup 2015 after beating Kenya by eight wickets in the first of two one-day internationals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Kenya chose to bat but were skittled out for 89 runs in 37.5 overs, Hamid Hassan claiming 4-19.
In reply, Nawroz Mangal hit three fours and four sixes in a 60-ball 52, and Mohammad Shahzad scored a 41-ball 33 as Afghanistan achieved victory for the loss of two wickets inside 18 overs.
The two openers put on 79 runs for the first wicket in just over 16 overs.
The win has moved Afghanistan to within striking distance of the crucial second spot in the competition, only one point behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Netherlands.
Should Afghanistan win the second ODI tomorrow, also in Sharjah, they would climb to 19 points, secure second position behind Ireland and qualify for their maiden ICC Cricket World Cup.
However, if Afghanistan lose tomorrow’s 50-over match - the last of the competition, second-ranked UAE will retain their position and qualify for their first ICC Cricket World Cup since 1996.
“It’s a big achievement for Afghanistan cricket and Afghanistan to qualify for the World Cup in 2015,” Afghan captain Mohammed Nabi said.
“We’ve got one more game left, and if we win on Friday, we will celebrate - the team will be celebrating and the whole nation will be celebrating that win.”
Kenya coach Robin Brown told media people his young, developing side could only benefit from playing in final round encounters.
AFP
