Fans dream big as Afghanistan poised for World Cup

KABUL (Pajhwok): Fans say they hope the national cricket team would make an impact in their maiden appearance in the ICC Word Cup which is scheduled to commence from Feb. 14 in Australia and New Zealand.

Afghanistan will open their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh at the Manuka Oval in Perth on Feb 18, amid appreciations from international cricket experts that the first-timers had managed to make it to the showpiece in a short span of time.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 15-man squad, led by captain Nabi Issakhel, for the Word Cup. However, some Afghans have objected to the selections, but the board says the selection committee is independent and had picked the players based on their abilities and performance.

The side is: Mohammad Nabi Issakhel (captain), Nawroz Mangal (vice-captain), Mirwais Ahsraf, Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Gulbadin Naib, Samiullah Shinwari, Osman Ghani, Asghar Stanikzai, Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazi, Shahpur Zadran, Daulat Zadran, Hamid Hassan and Aftab Alam.

Shafiqullah Shafaq, Hashmatullah Shaheedi, Sharfuddin Sharf and Izzatullah Daulatzai have been selected as bystanders.

Cricket fans and experts hope the selected team would play well and make an impact. Former captain Raees Ahmadzai told Pajhwok Afghan News some of the players could live up to the expectations of the Afghans.

Hamid Hassan possesses a fast bowling international record and has taken 45 wickets off average 18 runs in his 24 ODIs so far. Nabi is an experienced batsman and a good spinner and could create problems for the rivals and could play under tough circumstances.

Nabi is the most experienced player in the side and is known for big hits. He has proven his worth in bowling and has so far clinched 42 wickets. His total runs exceed 1000 including seven 50s.

 

Former skipper Nawroz Mangal is considered the team’s backbone for his experience. His inclusion in the side is important because he gives essential advices to Nabi during matches and his advices have proven beneficial.

During the last two trips to Australia, Mangal had made centuries and he is familiar with the grounds in Australia and New Zealand.

A brilliant batsman, Mangal keeps advising players during matches to ensure they play as a unit. Great hopes are attached to him by cricket fans.

Mangal has scored two 100s and four 50s in his 34 ODIs. He rarely bowls and has so far clinched seven wickets.

Similarly, Samiullah Shinwari is another talented player and all-rounder in the national side. Though a quick run maker, he stays at the crease to save wickets if necessary.

He played a crucial role in the defeat of Bangladesh as he made more than 100 runs partnership with Asghar Stanikzai leading Afghanistan to victory.

Shinwari’s bowling can make an impact on Australian grounds. In his 44 ODIs, Shinwari has made more than 1000 runs including eight 50s. He has bagged 41 wickets.

Asghar Stanikzai is an experienced player and has so far taken part in 38 ODs, hitting four 50s in his above 800 total runs. Stanikzai was Afghanistan’s hero in the defeat of Bangladesh and he is expected to prove his mettle in the World Cup.

He has steered Afghanistan out of trouble in several games. He can bat well against fast bowlers and spinners.

Left-armed pacer Shahpur Zadran is another famous player in the side. He had played in Bangladesh cricket league and has gotten international fame.

With his height and body language fitting a fast bowler, Zadran is expected to prove disastrous on the fast Australian and Kiwi grounds and give tough time to batsmen. He has so far clinched 29 wickets in his 30 ODIs. He shined in the matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

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