Cricket: Afghanistan
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
Contents |
History
1839; 1995-2017
From: May 27, 2018: The Times of India
From: May 27, 2018: The Times of India
'See graphics:
Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-I
Afghanistan, cricket- some facts- 1839-2017- Part-II
Afghanistan versus Sri Lanka: WCC 2015
Feb 23 2015
Mahela Bursts Afghan Bubble
Former Captain scores ton to rescue SL from 51-4
Put into bat, Afghanistan lost both openers by the 10th over. But Stanikzai and Shenwari added 88 for the third wicket. They were hopeful of putting up 250-plus but could score just 10 runs in batting powerplay.
Sri Lanka's chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Dilshan and Thirimanne for first ball ducks. Sanga followed soon and at 51-4, a major upset was on cards. Mahela brought in all his experience and scored a ton to stabilise things.
Angelo Mathews and Mahela both departed in quick succession though to put the Afghans back on track. But Thisara Perera's big-hitting skills came in handy as the burly all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 47 in 26 balls to see the 1996 champs home.
1 Number of times in WC both openers have got out for first-ball ducks.Thirimanne, Dilshan registered the dubious feat
10 Number of runs Afghanistan scored in the batting powerplay, losing two wickets. Four of those runs came through wides.
1075 Runs by Mahela in WC, the 4th Lankan after Sanath, De Silva and Sanga to score 1000 runs.
2015: Won ODI against Zimbabwe
The Times of India, Oct 26 2015
Prasad RS
Win hasn't sunk in yet, says Nabi
Afghan skipper is `relieved' after first win over test-playing nation
They come from a war-torn nation where playing sport is a luxury, but that has not stopped the Afghanistan cricket team from expressing themselves every time they take the field. In Oct 2015 in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe was no different as the Afghans not only defended a target of 245 to seal the ODI series 3-2, they became the first associate nation to beat a Full Member country . While the entire team understandably celebrated the win, their feat was acknowledged by numerous fans back in Kabul. For man-of-the-series Mohammed Nabi, the historic-win marked a new chapter in Afghanistan's short cricketing history . Nabi has been part of all the 56 ODIs for the Afghans so far.
2016
Afghanistan beats Zimbabwe to claim ODI series
The Times of IndiaJan 08 2016
Sharjah
Stun Zimbabwe To Claim ODI Series
Gulbadin Naib hit a career best, undefeated 82 as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by two wickets to win the fifth ODI and take the series 32.
With the win, Afghanistan managed to retain their place in the top 10 of the ICC ODI rankings. They had broken into the top-10 after their 49-run win in the first match of the tournament, but had to win the series to retain their place.
This is the second time Afghanistan have won a series against a Test-playing nation.They had beaten Zimbabwe by the same margin in Oct 2015.
T20: Beat West Indies
The Economic Times, 27 Mar, 2016
Afghanistan create history, beat West Indies in World T20
Minnows Afghanistan scripted history as they defeated 2012 champions West Indies by 6 runs in their final group league encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 here to sign off on a memorable note.
West Indies failed to surpass a target of 124 as the Associate nation were able to restrict them to 117 for eight.
The defeat does not change anything in final equations as West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals and also maintained their pole position in the table. They will play their semi-final in Mumbai.
The story of the day, however, was all about the talented Afghan boys, who have impressed one and all with their spirited display so far in the tournament.
After a string of close losses, the Afghans kept their calm on today to beat a much-fancied West Indies side, who looked formidable even in the absence of Chris Gayle.
There were emotional scenes all around after Afghanistan completed the formalities, prompting West Indian star Chris Gayle, who was rested from today's game, to congratulate them and even pose for pictures with the victorious team.
Afghanistan scored 123/7 in 20 overs after being put into bat. Najibullah Zadran's 40-ball-48 studded with four boundaries and a six was the reason for them reaching a fighting total after being down at 56 for five.
In reply, the Afghan bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length.
It was heartening to see skipper Asghar Stanikzai toss up the ball to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi with West Indies needing 10 runs off the last over.
Afghan cricket, 2009- 2017
From The Times of India
See graphic above.
2017
June 2017/ Granted Test status
THE TEAM HAS TAKEN LONG STRIDES WITH RECENT WINS OVER BANGLADESH AND WEST INDIES IN ODIS
The Afghanistan Cricket Board was formed in 1995 and the country became an affiliate member of the ICC in 2001. Who would have thought that they would have gained ICC's full membership and Test status within 16 years? They have also been among the game's fastest learners.
In recent times, Afghanistan have become the best among the minnows of world cricket. Even against Zimbabwe, a Test playing nation, they have an 11-8 ODI record.Against Bangladesh, they are 2-3.Earlier this month, captain Asghar Stanikzai's men shocked the West Indies at home carving out a handsome 63 run victory at St Lucia.
Leg spinner Rashid Khan produced one of the most eye-popping spells in the history of ODIs: seven for 18. At least, Khan can waltz into India's Test team.
There is a reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad paid Rs 4 crore for him; he went on to become the sixth highest wicket taker in IPL 10.
War has been Afghanistan's curse. Strangely, it was conflict that gave cricket to Afghanistan. The USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 which lasted nearly a decade created millions of refugees in the bordering areas of Pakistan. The immigrants kept coming and going for decades. Many of them were seduced by cricket. Later, as they returned home, the game struck root even in the country's interiors.
The Test matches are likely to be played in Shaheed Vijay Singh Sports Complex in Greater Noida, Afghanistan's official home ground.
November 2017/ Win under-19 Asia Cup title
Afghanistan claim maiden Under-19 Asia Cup title, November 20, 2017: The Times of India
Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup to register a historic triumph and lift the title at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, reports cricbuzz-.com. Chasing 248, Pakistan were trounced by 185 runs as they folded for 63.
Pakistan just couldn’t recover from the early punches Mujeeb Zadran landed. The pacer nipped out the openers - Mohammad Arif (4) and Omair Yousuf (0) - inside the fourth over to leave Pakistan wobbling 11for 2. Things just went pear shaped for them from there on 32 for 4.
Mohammad Taha hung around for 38 deliveries, scoring 19, but failed to find partners to bat around him. Qais Ahmad ended Taha's resistance and the a lower order failed to come to terms with the constant pressure.
Brief scores: Afghanistan 248-7 in 50 overs (Ikram Ali Khil 107) beat Pakistan 63 in 22.1 overs (Mujeeb Zadran 5-13) by 185 runs.
