ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018 - Discussion Thread

[UN talkz]

Hosts Zimbabwe to feature on the opening day on 4 March in Bulawayo; Windies to start campaign in Harare on 6 March

10 teams to fight out for two available places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which is now 500 days away

Netherlands plus three highest finishing Associate Member sides to earn ODI status till 2022

Two-time world champions the Windies will be the star attraction when 10 sides converge on Zimbabwe next month for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, to battle it out for the two remaining places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The announcement marks 500 days to the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament, which will be staged in the United Kingdom from 30 May to 15 July.

Queen’s Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, Harare Sports Club and Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare and Kwekwe Sports Club, Kwekwe, will share 34 matches between them from 4 to 25 March, with Harare Sports Club staging the final.

The Windies, along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, had missed out on automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by finishing outside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings at the 30 September 2017 cut-off date. These four sides have been joined by Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Scotland and Papua New Guinea, who finished in the top four of the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

The remaining two sides for the Zimbabwe tournament will be confirmed in Namibia from 8-15 February when Canada, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Oman and the United Arab Emirates will fight it out in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, with the finalists getting a step closer to cherishing their dreams of playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Eighty-three teams had embarked on the road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 way back in 2013 through the ICC World Cricket League, introduced to give the teams outside the top 12 meaningful competition as part of the World Cup qualification.

The 10 teams taking part in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 are split into two groups of five teams. The Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 make up Group A, while Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and runners-up of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 form Group B.

Each side will play the other teams in their group once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six stage. The teams each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage. All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, whilst the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing Associate Members will earn ODI status till 2022 upon the conclusion of the event.

As such, only matches between Afghanistan, Ireland, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, the Windies, Zimbabwe and potentially the United Arab Emirates (if they qualify) will have ODI status in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

Hosts Zimbabwe will feature on the opening day of the tournament on 4 March when they will take on the runners-up from the Namibia tournament at the Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, while the Windies will square-off against the winners of the Namibia tournament on 6 March at Old Hararians Cricket Club in Harare.

Scotland will defend the title they had won at Bert Sutcliffe, Lincoln, New Zealand, in February 2014 when they defeated the United Arab Emirates by 41 runs. Preston Mommsen had won the player of the final for his unbeaten 139.

Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani: “We are tremendously excited to be hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 event which will bring some of the world’s most talented and gifted cricketers to our beautiful country. As the very proud hosts, we are very passionate about what we do on and off the field and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure we deliver an extraordinarily memorable tournament.

“While the ultimate goal for the teams involved will be to secure one of the two remaining berths at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, tournaments such as the qualifier event always provide the platform for raw talent and unheralded players to emerge and this can only put the game of cricket in good stead.”

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “This will undoubtedly be a competitive and hard fought tournament with two tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup up for grabs as well as ODI status. Seeing four Full Member sides up against our best Associate Member teams who have progressed through qualification will make for some exciting cricket.

“This is the conclusion of a four-year qualification process that began with regional events and progressed through to the global World Cricket League. There is a huge amount at stake for all ten teams battling it out for the remaining two spots at the ICC Cricket World Cup.”

Groups:

Group A: Windies (A1); Ireland (A2); Netherlands (A3); Papua New Guinea (A4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) winner (A5)

Group B: Afghanistan (B1); Zimbabwe (B2); Scotland (B3); Hong Kong (B4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) runners-up (B5)

Fixtures (warm-up matches):

Tuesday, 27 February – Afghanistan v Windies, Harare Sports Club (HSC); Hong Kong v Netherlands, Old Hararians (OH); WCL Div.2 (winner) v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Kwekwe (KK); Zimbabwe v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club (QSC); Scotland v PNG, Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC)

Thursday, 1 March – WCL Div.2 (winners) v Windies, Harare Sports Club (HSC); Afghanistan v Netherlands, Old Hararians (OH); Hong Kong v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Kwekwe (KK); Scotland v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club (QSC); Zimbabwe v PNG, Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC)

Tournament Proper (first round):

Sunday, 4 March – PNG v WCL Div.2 winner, HSC; Ireland v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Queens Sports Club (QSC); Afghanistan v Scotland, BAC

Tuesday, 6 March – PNG v Ireland, HSC; Windies v WCL Div.2 (winner), OH; Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, QSC; Scotland v Hong Kong, BAC

Thursday, 8 March – Netherlands v WCL Div.2 (winner), HSC; Windies v PNG, OH; Scotland v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Afghanistan v Hong Kong, BAC

Saturday, 10 March – Windies v Ireland, HSC; PNG v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v Hong Kong, QSC; Afghanistan v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), BAC

Monday, 12 March – Windies v Netherlands, HSC; Ireland v WCL Div.2 (winners), OH; Hong Kong v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Zimbabwe v Scotland, BAC

Super Sixes

Thursday, 15 March – A1 v B1, HSC; A3 v B3, QSC; A5 v B4 (play-off), OH; A4 v B5 (play-off), KK

Friday, 16 March – A2 v B2, HSC

Saturday, 17 March – 9th/10th position play-off, OH; 7th/8th position play-off, KK

Sunday, 18 March – A2 v B3, HSC

Monday, 19 March – A1 v B2, HSC

Tuesday, 20 March – A3 v B1, HSC

Thursday, 22 March – A1 v B3, HSC; A3 v B2, OH

Friday, 23 March – A2 v B1, HSC

Sunday, 25 March – FINAL, HSC


ABOUT THE ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The tournament was known as the ICC Trophy until 2005 and started in 1979

Four Test sides, Bangladesh (1997), Ireland (2009), Sri Lanka (1979), and Zimbabwe (1982, 1986 and 1990), have previously won the tournament. Other winners are the Netherlands (2001), Scotland (2005 and 2014) and United Arab Emirates (1994)

The Netherlands and Papua New Guinea are the only sides who have featured in all tournaments since 1979

 

[hadi123]

I guess it's going to be 2 out of West Indies, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. Sad that 2 of those will miss out. At least make it a 12 team tournament (The World Cup) so these teams don't miss out as they are competitive on their day. Fair enough, the likes of Scotland etc are rubbish but it's sad that these countries work so hard yet may miss out on World Cup qualification.

 

[MenInG]

Captains of different sides have expressed their excitement and enthusiasm as they gear up to battle it out for the two remaining places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by going face to face in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe from 4-25 March.

The Windies captain Jason Holder, whose ninth-ranked side is top seeded in the tournament, admitted it will be a challenging tournament but his side was geared up to qualify for the World Cup.

"We see this as a very important tournament. We all know the magnitude and importance of this event as we look to qualify for the World Cup in the United Kingdom next year,” said the 26-year-old, who has played 70 ODIs in a five-year international career.

“It will be a challenge and we sat down and have formulated plans as to how best to approach the tournament.

“It will be short and we will treat every match as a must-win game — with three teams from each group moving into the Super Sixes, and the top two moving to the final — thereby earning a spot at the World Cup, there is all to play for," Holder concluded.

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai, whose 11th-ranked side is seeded second, remarked: “We are very much looking forward to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 in Zimbabwe. The team has been involved in preparations for this highly important event over the past six months by taking part in a number of training camps with specific focus on fitness and drills. We are hopeful that the boys will perform to their best in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.

“Although the playing conditions in Zimbabwe are different, but since we have played against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, this will be helpful in terms of familiarity with the pitches in Harare and Bulawayo.

“We have played well in Zimbabwe previously and our aim is to repeat that and play positive cricket against the opponents in order to qualify for the ICC Cricket Word Cup 2019.”

Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer, whose 10th-ranked side is seeded third, commented: “It means so much to me, our team and the Zimbabweans in general that such a huge event will be taking place in our small but cricket-crazy country. There is already a buzz around Zimbabwe over the qualifiers and we cannot wait to have the participating teams here and for the tournament to start.

“Zimbabwe have a great chance of qualifying, especially at home. But we are aware the tournament will have many good teams and even the Associate sides can be very dangerous on their day. This means the tournament will be very tough, but if we play to our full potential I do not see an issue with us qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In short, a thrilling tournament is on the cards.”

Ireland captain William Porterfield, who will be bidding to play in his fourth ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, stated: “It’s going to be a really hard-fought tournament with nearly all the sides in with a genuine chance of qualification. There are certainly no 'gimmees' in the competition. It’s a pity there are only two places up for grabs.

“We are working hard in the build up to Zimbabwe. We’re currently in the middle of a tri-series with the UAE and Scotland, and we’ll have training camps in Spain and South Africa, where we have further matches planned before going to Zimbabwe.

“We’ve got a good record against the Windies, beating them in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, so we’ll take confidence from that. The Netherlands have got some big players back in recent times, so they'll be tough, while PNG are improving all the time.

“We will be at full strength for the competition, so hopefully if we play to our strengths we'll make it through to the United Kingdom in 2019 and our fourth straight World Cup.”

Netherlands’ captain Peter Borren, who has been at the helm since 2010, opined: “For the first time in World Cup history, four Test playing nations will be pitted against the Associate sides to earn the right to appear at the World Cup. I can’t wait to see our team, our players, go up against some of the best players in the world. What an opportunity for individuals and more importantly our team, to succeed at the highest level.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier promises to be a brilliant competition. It’s always a great feeling to be involved in the biggest events on the ICC cricket calendar.

“We are now the 13th-ranked ODI side, earned through three years of hard work. This will be our chance to show to the world that we want to be more than just the 13th team, what better stage for us to shine.

“The team earned themselves a well-deserved break after the ICC World Cricket League Championship series in Dubai. It had been a long season for most of the squad, dating back to the Desert T20 in January, I think people forget how important a break from the game is. All the lads have returned refreshed and ready to go.

“Training in winter in Europe is not exactly ideal but we are getting the work in, we will then head to Tuks in Pretoria for a really good pre-tour to finish off our work, which will include matches against Ireland, Scotland and Hong Kong. By the time we get to Zimbabwe, I have no doubt the boys will be ready.”

Papua New Guinea captain Assad Vala, whose side is in Group A along with the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands and the winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, said: “I’m looking forward to playing against these oppositions and getting the opportunity to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

“It means a lot for us to be playing in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. We have worked really hard and given ourselves an opportunity to achieve something special as a group. I’m confident that if we play our best cricket and to our full potential, we will give ourselves a good opportunity to win games and qualify.

“Training has been tough post the ICC World Cricket League Championship as will be heading to a really important tournament. We are working really hard and trying to prepare as best as we can to give ourselves the best opportunity at the qualifiers. It will be a great feeling to be able to qualify for the World Cup as it’s every cricketer’s dream to play against the best players in the World Cup.”

ABOUT THE ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The tournament started in 1979 and was known as the ICC Trophy until 2002

Four Test sides, Bangladesh (1997), Ireland (2009), Sri Lanka (1979), and Zimbabwe (1982, 1986 and 1990), have previously won the tournament. Other winners are the Netherlands (2001), Scotland (2005 and 2014) and the United Arab Emirates (1994)

The Netherlands and Papua New Guinea are the only sides who have featured in all tournaments since 1979

For the 2018 event, the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 make up Group A, while Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and runners-up of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 form Group B.

Each side will play the other teams in their group once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six stage.

The teams each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage. All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, whilst the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing associate Members will earn ODI status for the next four years till 2022.

 

[MenInG]

Lot at stake it seems

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, whilst the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing Associate Members will earn ODI status till 2022 upon the conclusion of the event.

 

[MenInG]

Ireland have been handed a tough draw for the World Cup Qualifiers which get under way in Zimbabwe this March.

The Irish have been pooled in Group A alongside top seeds West Indies, The Netherlands, PNG and the winners of next month's Division Two tournament in Namibia featuring the hosts, UAE, Canada, Kenya, Oman and Nepal.

Skipper William Porterfield, who will be bidding to play in his and Ireland's fourth consecutive World Cup, stated: “It’s going to be a really hard-fought tournament with nearly all the sides in with a genuine chance of qualification. There are certainly no 'gimmees' in the competition. It’s a pity there are only two places up for grabs.

“We are working hard in the build up to Zimbabwe. We’re currently in the middle of a tri-series with the UAE and Scotland, and we’ll have training camps in Spain and South Africa, where we have further matches planned before going to Zimbabwe.

“We’ve got a good record against the Windies, beating them in the 2015 World Cup, so we’ll take confidence from that. The Netherlands have got some big players back in recent times, so they'll be tough, while PNG are improving all the time.

“We will be at full strength for the competition, so hopefully if we play to our potential we'll make it through to the finals and our fourth straight World Cup.”

The top three from each group progress to the Super Sixes where they play the three teams from the other group. The top two in the Super Six phase qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

The competition proper starts on March 4th, with the final scheduled in Harare on March 25th.

Groups:

Group A: Windies (A1); Ireland (A2); Netherlands (A3); Papua New Guinea (A4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) winner (A5)

Group B: Afghanistan (B1); Zimbabwe (B2); Scotland (B3); Hong Kong (B4); ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2) runners-up (B5)

Fixtures (warm-up matches):

Tuesday, 27 February – Afghanistan v Windies, Harare Sports Club (HSC); Hong Kong v Netherlands, Old Hararians (OH); WCL Div.2 (winner) v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Kwekwe (KK); Zimbabwe v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club (QSC); Scotland v PNG, Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC)

Thursday, 1 March – WCL Div.2 (winners) v Windies, Harare Sports Club (HSC); Afghanistan v Netherlands, Old Hararians (OH); Hong Kong v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Kwekwe (KK); Scotland v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club (QSC); Zimbabwe v PNG, Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC)

Tournament Proper (first round):

Sunday, 4 March – PNG v WCL Div.2 winner, HSC; Ireland v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), Queens Sports Club (QSC); Afghanistan v Scotland, BAC

Tuesday, 6 March – PNG v Ireland, HSC; Windies v WCL Div.2 (winner), OH; Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, QSC; Scotland v Hong Kong, BAC

Thursday, 8 March – Netherlands v WCL Div.2 (winner), HSC; Windies v PNG, OH; Scotland v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Afghanistan v Hong Kong, BAC

Saturday, 10 March – Windies v Ireland, HSC; PNG v Netherlands, OH; Zimbabwe v Hong Kong, QSC; Afghanistan v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), BAC

Monday, 12 March – Windies v Netherlands, HSC; Ireland v WCL Div.2 (winners), OH; Hong Kong v WCL Div.2 (runners-up), QSC; Zimbabwe v Scotland, BAC

Super Sixes

Thursday, 15 March – A1 v B1, HSC; A3 v B3, QSC; A5 v B4 (play-off), OH; A4 v B5 (play-off), KK

Friday, 16 March – A2 v B2, HSC

Saturday, 17 March – 9th/10th position play-off, OH; 7th/8th position play-off, KK

Sunday, 18 March – A2 v B3, HSC

Monday, 19 March – A1 v B2, HSC

Tuesday, 20 March – A3 v B1, HSC

Thursday, 22 March – A1 v B3, HSC; A3 v B2, OH

Friday, 23 March – A2 v B1, HSC

Sunday, 25 March – FINAL, HSC

 

[Abdullah719]

CWI NAMES WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS SQAUD

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the WINDIES 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be played from March 4 to 25. The WINDIES have been drawn in Group A alongside Ireland, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 winners.


WINDIES MEN’S TEAM FULL SQUAD

Jason Holder (captain)
Jason Mohammed (vice-captain)
Devendra Bishoo
Carlos Brathwaite
Sheldon Cotterell
Chris Gayle
Shimron Hetmyer
Shai Hope
Evin Lewis
Nikita Mille
Ashley Nurse
Rovman Powell
Kemar Roach
Marlon Samuels
Kesrick Williams


Commenting on the Squad, Chairman Courtney Browne said:

“We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth. Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene.

We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.

Dwayne Bravo was not contacted as he had indicated previously that he is no longer available to play cricket for the West Indies.

We welcome back Carlos Braithwaite and value his contribution to the team on and off the field. Kemar Roach is a highly experienced player who recently returned to international cricket last year is also a good addition to our ODI squad, as we set out to win the ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

We expect this squad under the able leadership of Jason Holder, supported by a core group of senior players to achieve this goal. Of course, Head Coach Stuart Law and his staff will provide all the support and guidance necessary. We wish the team well and look forward to a successful campaign.”

 

[Abdullah719]

IRELAND ANNOUNCE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SQUAD

James Shannon has been recalled to the Ireland squad for the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.

The 27 year-old Northern Knights and Instonians top-order batsman enjoyed a prolific 2017 campaign at domestic and interprovincial level, and is rewarded with a place in the 15-man squad attempting to gain a fourth successive World Cup qualification.

“The selectors had no hesitation in giving James his opportunity after he scored so heavily last season,” said Ireland head coach Graham Ford speaking at the squad announcement at Malahide Castle. “He has undoubted talent and this will be his chance to reproduce his form at international level.”

Stuart Poynter and Jacob Mulder are omitted from the squad that won the Tri-Series in Dubai last week.

“Stuart Poynter declared he was unavailable for the tournament, as his partner Esther is expecting their first child which is due in March. Stuart wishes to be with his family and support them during what is undoubtedly a very special time in their lives. All here in the Cricket Ireland family wish them all the best with their impending new arrival.

“It’s unfortunate that Jacob misses out, but we have plenty of spin options in the squad, with Andy McBrine coming back and doing so well in Dubai, along with George Dockrell, Simi Singh and Paul Stirling.”

It’s a very experienced Ireland squad with 1925 caps between the 15, with no fewer than eight of them winning more than 100 caps.

“Experience is such a vital commodity, especially in high pressure situations which this tournament will certainly have,” said Ford. “What was refreshing in the Dubai tournament was the superb work ethic that I witnessed from everyone, and the willingness of all the players to learn and adapt to different ideas. While it’s certainly an experienced line-up, there is a nice balance of younger players in there too.

“It’s going to be a very cut-throat competition with just two places on offer, but we have the ability to make it to a fourth final if we play to our potential. It certainly won’t be through lack of hard work or preparation if we don’t make it. We will have a training camp in South Africa, playing four matches before heading to Zimbabwe.”

While the focus was on the World Cup Qualification tournament, Ireland also unveiled their O’Neills Test kit which will be worn at Malahide in their historic first Test against Pakistan on May 11th.

Malahide, with invaluable support from Fingal County Council, will also be the venue for two high profile T20 internationals against India in June, and Ford is delighted at how the international season is shaping up.

“It’s going to be such a momentous occasion at Malahide in May, and of course everyone wants to be in that first Test which is giving added motivation to the lads. Following on then are the two games against India who are such a big draw. We are also in advanced negotiations over additional fixtures which will be announced soon.”

 

[amit]

I guess it's going to be 2 out of West Indies, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. Sad that 2 of those will miss out. At least make it a 12 team tournament (The World Cup) so these teams don't miss out as they are competitive on their day. Fair enough, the likes of Scotland etc are rubbish but it's sad that these countries work so hard yet may miss out on World Cup qualification.

The same Scotland beat Sri Lanka in a match just before CT and then some days later beat Zimbabwe in a official ODI

 

[hadi123]

The same Scotland beat Sri Lanka in a match just before CT and then some days later beat Zimbabwe in a official ODI

Scotland was just an example. I was just saying there is still a huge gap between the likes of the current WI/SL team, Zim, Afg Ireland to the rest of the associates

 

[hussain.r97]

It's such a shame that the world cup is only 10 teams now. It's practically the same thing as the champions trophy now. I understand keeping teams like Scotland and UAE out, but teams like Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and West Indies are good enough.

 

[MenInG]

Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.

Disgraceful

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell however indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.

Disgraceful

If they don’t play the qualifiers it’s highly likely that the WICB won’t select them should the WIs get to the World Cup proper. And these guys are approaching the wrong side of 30 so this could very well be their last opportunity to play an odi WC which makes this decision all the more pathetic.

 

[amit]

It's such a shame that the world cup is only 10 teams now. It's practically the same thing as the champions trophy now. I understand keeping teams like Scotland and UAE out, but teams like Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and West Indies are good enough.

The same Scotland beat Sri Lanka in a match just before CT and then some days later beat Zimbabwe in a official ODI

 

[amit]

Scotland was just an example. I was just saying there is still a huge gap between the likes of the current WI/SL team, Zim, Afg Ireland to the rest of the associates

Not much of a gap now. If given proper chances, teams like Scotland, Netherlands and Hong Kong can beat lower ranked full members and be competitive against big teams too

 

[MenInG]

https://www.barbadostoday.bb/2018/01/30/pollard-puts-his-case/

Windies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has said that the Cricket Winides’ chairman and the board’s behaviour since amnesty has made it very clear to them that CWI had no interest in picking them for the World Cup qualifiers.

Courtney Browne, the chairman of selectors, had recently said that Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell had all opted out of the qualifiers as “their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.”

Pollard, however, accused CWI of poor communication and sending him mixed messages regarding his West Indies future.


Kieron Pollard says there are two many mixed signals and too much poor communication from the selectors.
The all-rounder said he was perplexed that CWI sought out players to play in the qualifiers only in January, which was some time after he had secured his Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League contracts.

“Despite performing well in the 2016 tri-series, when I was handed a recall, where [the] team got to final, for the next series in Dubai Denesh Ramdin and I were dropped, with selectors saying I showed no ‘commitment to batting’,” Pollard told Cricbuzz.

“Now, after only playing two of the 11 West Indies ODI series since 2015 World Cup, suddenly after months of either zero or limited communication about my ODI future, you (selectors) want me to drop everything and play qualifiers.”

“These are the ridiculous situations they consistently put players in, then they go to media with the clear attempt to paint us as money hungry mercenaries and (say that we are) not committed to West Indies cricket.”

Pollard highlighted the muddled squad selections for both the England and New Zealand tours as evidence of the aforementioned point.

“When the selectors picked that team in England, while Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels were recalled, the Bravo brothers and Narine were contacted about playing – I wasn’t,” he continued. “I was told initially that they were not going to pick me for the T20 game and that only captain Carlos Brathwaite would be flown in.”

This, Pollard noted, left him confused about his future and he began to deliberate his next course of action.

Pollard said he sought out the chairman of selectors to try and identify what path was laid out before him. He wanted to know if he was in CWI’s ODI and T20I plans, or if he was free to play T20 league cricket outside.

“I told the chairman I am a grown man and have decisions to make. I wasn’t demanding that he pick me, just wanted clarity on if I can now seek to play T20 leagues freely and not expect to be picked. And, whether there were different rules for players in this amnesty,” said Pollard.

“Suddenly after that two months of poor communication, the board changed its mind and said they are picking T20 players for England and Browne said in his conversation with the other selectors that I was now ‘available’ for 50-over and T20 selection for the series in New Zealand.

“This indecision was one of the reasons Samuel Badree didn’t play and went to Pakistan with the World XI. That’s the madness that goes on behind the scenes which people don’t know about.”

Despite all the drama, Pollard, like most senior players, was waiting to see what would happen with the new contracts and tentatively began making plans with Trinidad & Tobago to play in the Super50 and first-class cricket.

However, this plan too did not come to fruition.

“Remember, selectors said I was ‘available’, but I was in the end only picked in T20Is. At this point, my PSL contract was secured and while it was known by then West Indies would be in qualifiers, no dates were set.

“So, I contacted the Trinidad coach and told him of my early plan to play some part in the Super50 and the four-day games. At that stage, I was not approached by Big Bash until Narine pulled out,” Pollard explained.

“I pulled out of New Zealand series due to personal reasons which needed my attention in Trinidad, then the Big Bash deal came.

“I was also observing the Darren Bravo selection madness where CWI said it has a policy where Super50 players can only be replaced in squads if they are being called up for West Indies duty.

“Based on that I told coach Kelvin Williams to not disadvantage the team, and scrap the plan for me to play,” Pollard recalled.

The 30-year-old also revealed how Browne only gave the players four days (January 3 – January 7) to confirm their availability for the qualifiers. He found it ridiculous given how CWI had known of his plans since September.

“All I said was I can’t play Super50. This clearly ruled me out of being chosen for the qualifiers. But, two weeks later (there were) big headlines questioning our commitment,” added Pollard.

“He (Browne) didn’t say ‘you can’t play full Super50, fine, let’s talk about maybe playing a few games. You are making a dollar there, (but) we need you for qualifiers here. Make a suggestion.

“But no, these guys want to use the cricketers, pick and drop us when they want. My choice to get all these (T20 Leagues) contracts was a meticulous process for [the] last six months in response to the board’s communication or lack thereof.”

Pollard concluded by noting the precedent was set by the board when they clashed with players during the early days of the IPL. That, he felt, has snowballed into the standoff now.

“When we players saw immediately that IPL was going to blow up in 2008, all we asked for [was] one window the play in it and they fought us. Only recently West Indies stopped playing home season internationals during IPL months, while most boards did so long ago.

“Now you have eight or nine leagues, it would have been easier for us to compromise if that was done initially with the IPL. That’s the poor vision of the West Indies board in the last decade.

“So how can Caribbean people sit on their computers and phones and say and believe we are not committed to West Indies given all that board has done?”

 

[ElIdolo]

I hope UAE and Oman stay away from the competition. Don't want expats to waste opportunities for home-grown talents of other countries. Now ICC have abolished Development rules which means that teams like Oman and UAE can have players stay in their country for 3 years and then play them in Playing XI. No more restrictions of passport holders in the playing XI.

 

[DeadBall]

Now ICC have abolished Development rules which means that teams like Oman and UAE can have players stay in their country for 3 years and then play them in Playing XI. No more restrictions of passport holders in the playing XI.

So that means they can field a better team now as they won't be forced to hand out actual citizenships to the people representing their country. :clap:

 

[UN talkz]

Afghanistan select 17-year-old Mujeeb Zadran; Ireland retain 10 players from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Ten Doeschate named in the Netherlands’ squad, Coetzer to lead Scotland in their title defence

Ireland have more ODI experience in the side than star-studded Windies as hosts Zimbabwe are set to be the most experienced side in the 34-match tournament

The International Cricket Council today announced the match officials for next month’s ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier and also confirmed eight of the 10 squads to take part in the tournament, which will be played across four Zimbabwe venues from 4 to 25 March.

Dev Govindjee, Graeme La Brooy, David Jukes and Shaid Wadvalla from the International Panel will be the referees, while the umpiring responsibilities will be shared between Ahsan Raza, Gregory Brathwaite, Christopher Brown, Simon Fry, Shaun George, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Langton Rusere, Chettithody Shamshuddin, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson, all from the International Panel.

The ICC have also announced umpire and match referee appointments for the first round matches which will be played from 4 to 12 March. Below are the opening day’s appointments, while all appointments for other matches can be found in the Resources section of the Online Media Zone.

Old Hararians – Ireland v Netherlands; Michael Gough and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (reserve umpire), Dev Govindjee (match referee)

Harare Sports Club – PNG v winner of ICC World Cricket League Division 2; Simon Fry and Shaun George (on-field umpires), Langton Rusere (reserve umpire), Graeme La Brooy (match referee)

Queens Sports Club – Zimbabwe v runners-up of ICC World Cricket League Division 2; Chettihody Shamshuddin and Gregory Brathwaite (on-field umpires), Chris Brown (reserve umpire), David Jukes (match referee)

Bulawayo Athletic Club - Afghanistan v Scotland; Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson (on-field umpires), Adrian Holdstock (reserve umpire); Shahit Wadvalla (match referee)

Meanwhile, the ICC have also confirmed eight of the 10 squads, which will feature in the three-week tournament. Two more sides will be confirmed following the ICC World Cricket League Division 2, which culminates in Namibia on 15 February.

The eight confirmed sides have relied heavily on their experience and star cricketers in their quest to qualify for the 25 March final, which, in turn, will also earn them tickets for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 to be held from 30 May to 15 July in England and Wales.

Two-time world champions Windies will undoubtedly be the star attraction in the 34-match tournament. The 1975 and 1979 champions have named in their squad Chris Gayle, a veteran of four World Cups, along with Marlon Samuels, who also featured in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 events. Nikita Miller and Kemar Roach played in the previous two Cricket World Cups.

Jason Holder has been named as captain of the side, which also includes ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2011, Devendra Bishoo. The two played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.

The Windies have a total experience of 831 ODIs between them with Gayle and Samuels alone having played 275 and 192 ODIs, respectively.

Afghanistan have retained eight players from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, namely: Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Javed Ahmadi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari and Shahpoor Zadran.

In addition to these experienced professionals, the Asian side also named in their squad wrist spinner Rashid Khan, who has made headlines all over the world in the very early days of his career, as well as 17-year-old off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran. Mujeeb took 12 wickets in five matches as Afghanistan finished fourth in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup which culminated in New Zealand early this month.

Afghanistan, who until 2008 were playing in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5, had a collective experience of 571 ODIs in their ranks before the start of their series against Zimbabwe.

Hong Kong have named four 20-year-olds – Tanveer Ahmed, Chris Carter, Anshuman Rath and Shahid Wasif – in the squad which will be captained by Babar Hayat. Hayat was his side’s second most successful batsman in the 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship after Rath with 543 runs. With 721 runs in the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup, Hayat was easily the highest run-getter for his side.

Hong Kong have also named 30-year-old left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed, who was the third most successful bowler in the four-day first-class ICC Intercontinental Cup with 28 wickets. He also took 24 wickets in 11 ICC World Cricket League Championship fixtures.

Hong Kong, along with Papua New Guinea (PNG), will be the least experienced side in the tournament with a total of 131 ODI caps.

Ireland have retained 10 players from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 campaign. These are: William Porterfield, Ed Joyce, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson and Andrew McBrine.

Porterfield, Joyce and the O’Brien brothers were also members of the Ireland side which reached the Super Eight stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007.

With an overall 851 ODI caps, Ireland clearly have more experience in their ranks as compared to the Windies, who have a total of 831ODI caps.

The Netherlands will be captained by Peter Borren, who played in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup for New Zealand in 2002. The 34-year-old has represented the Netherlands in 58 ODIs and 43 T20Is since 2006. Borren inspired his side to victory in the ICC World Cricket League Championship when he scored 322 runs at an average of just over 40. He also took four wickets.

However, the biggest news from the Dutch camp is their star all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who won three ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year awards from 2008 to 2011, being named in the squad. Ten Doeschate played in two 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship matches last year, but in his last ODI innings for the Netherlands, which was in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the 38-year-old scored 106 against Ireland in Kolkata.

Borren and ten Doeschate played in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, while Wesley Barresi and Pieter Seelaar were also part of the Dutch side which last featured in a World Cup seven years ago.

The Netherlands have a combined experience of 191 ODIs in their side.

Papua New Guinea, who along with the Netherlands have featured in all the qualifying events since 1979, will rely on 25-year-old left-hander Sese Bau who scored 446 runs at an average of just over 37 in the 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship. He was followed by Assadollah Vala (399 runs) and Vani Morea (339 runs).

Norman Vanua with 23 wickets at an average of just over 21 was his side’s best bowler in the ICC World Cricket League Championship, where PNG finished third behind the Netherlands and Scotland.

For their title defence, Scotland have retained Kyle Coetzer, Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Ali Evans, Michael Leask and Calum MacLeod from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 side.

Coetzer was his side’s best batsman in the 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship when he scored 574 runs at an average of just over 52, while MacLeod with 440 runs at 55 was the second most impressive batsman. Amongst the bowlers, Evans with 24 wickets finished as his side’s leading wicket-taker, followed by Safyaan Sharif (19 wickets) and Tom Sole (12 wickets).

Scotland have a total experience of 333 ODIs – more than Hong Kong (131), the Netherlands (191) and PNG (127).

Hosts Zimbabwe will rely heavily on Brendan Taylor, who produced centuries in his last two innings at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – 121 v Ireland and 138 v India. Taylor and Kyle Jarvis had returned to national duty in October 2017 after having given up international cricket to pursue careers in English county cricket.

Taylor and Craig Ervine have played in three and two ICC Cricket World Cups, respectively, while Tendai Chatara, Graeme Cremer, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire and Sikandar Raza were also part of the Zimbabwe squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The side also includes left-arm fast bowler Brian Vitori who took five wickets in each of his first two ODIs back in 2011 to set a record at the time.

Zimbabwe had a combined experience of 842 ODIs prior to the start of their series against Afghanistan. By the time the series ends on 19 January in Sharjah, Zimbabwe will become the most experienced side in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 with nearly 900 ODI caps.

MATCH REFEREES: Dev Govindjee, Graeme La Brooy, David Jukes and Shaid Wadvalla

UMPIRES: Ahsan Raza, Gregory Brathwaite, Chris Brown, Simon Fry, Shaun George, Michael Gough, Nitin Menon, Langton Rusere, Chettihody Shamshuddin, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.

UMPIRE COACHES: Denis Burns and Karl Hurter

AFGHANISTAN (total ODI caps – 571, before the start of series v Zimbabwe): Asghar Stanikzai (captain), Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Ihsanullah Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Nasir Jamal, Javed Ahmadi, Mujeeb Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Samiullah Shinwari, Shahpoor Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Phil Simmons (coach)

HONG KONG (total ODI caps – 131): Babar Hayat (captain), Ahsan Abbasi, Nadeem Ahmed, Tanveer Ahmed, Tanwir Afzal, Waqas Barkat, Chris Carter, Aizaz Khan, Ehsan Khan, Ehsan Nawaz, Nizakat Khan, Scott McKechnie, Anshuman Rath, Simandeep Singh and Shahid Wasif. Simon Cook (coach)

IRELAND (total ODI caps – 851): William Porterfield (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson

THE NETHERLANDS (total ODI caps – 191): Peter Borren (captain), Wesley Barresi, Ben Cooper, Scott Edwards, Vivian Kingma, Frederick Klaassen, Stephan Myburgh, Maxwell O'Dowd, Pieter Seelaar, Shane Snater, Ryan ten Doeschate, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren and Sikander Zulfiqar. Ryan Campbell (coach)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (total ODI caps – 127): Assadollah Vala (captain), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Mahuru Dai, Kiplin Doriga, Jason Kila, Vani Morea, Alei Nao, Damien Ravu, John Reva, Lega Siaka, Chad Soper, Tony Ura, Norman Vanua and Jack Vare. Joe Dawes (coach)

SCOTLAND (total ODI caps – 333): Kyle Coetzer (captain), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross, Ali Evans, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Tom Sole, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal and Stuart Whittingham. Grant Bradburn (coach)

THE WINDIES (total ODI caps – 831): Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Kesrick Williams. Stuart Law (coach)

ZIMBABWE (total ODI caps - 842, before the start of series v Afghanistan): Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller. Heath Streak (coach)

Teams can make changes to their squads without needing an ICC approval until 25 February. All player replacement requests from 25 February onwards will require the approval of the Event Technical Committee.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/622973

 

[hadi123]

HOLDER SAYS TIME FOR THE WINDIES TO WIN ANOTHER WORLD CUP, RASHID HAPPY WITH THE ‘FAVOURITES’ TAG

· “We’ve learnt from past successes and failures,” says Borren

· “All the guys are very confident and for all of us it will be a dream come true if we get to play in the World Cup,” says Hayat

· Press conferences of Borren, Hayat, Holder and Rashid available for free download and editorial use on the Online Media Zone

· Photos from the Windies’ training session as well as captains’ photo-calls also available on the Online Media Zone

· Five warm-up matches will be played on Tuesday

The Windies captain Jason Holder has said it is time for his side to follow in the footsteps of their Under-19 and women’s teams and add a third World Cup to the collection.

Speaking at the Harare Sports Club on Monday ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, which will be played from 4-25 March, Holder admitted the Windies needed to lift their 50-over cricket and hoped this 10-team tournament wouldl help them to not only find a winning combination but also the momentum going into next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

“We’ve done well in T20 cricket, we’ve done well in women’s cricket and in Under-19 cricket. I think it’s about time we win another World Cup,” said Holder, referring to the Windies’ victories in the ICC World Twenty20 2016 and the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016.

The Windies won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 in England and Wales, but are featuring in the World Cup Qualifiers after finishing outside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings at the 30 September 2017 cut-off date.

Holder continued: “We know what is at stake. It is an opportunity for us to grab some momentum heading into next year’s World Cup, get some games under our belt, just finalise some combinations, get things straightened, and hopefully turn our cricket in terms of the ODI format. It is probably our weaker formats. No doubt, we have not been consistent, something that we have addressed, hopefully going forward we should see some good performances.

“We’ve got a well-balanced side, quality side with experience. Hopefully, we could gel together and make things happen in this tournament.”

Holder praised Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for making themselves available for the Qualifiers. “I must commend Chris and Marlon, who have come here without motivation to do well for the Windies and give themselves a chance to play another World Cup.

“As I said to the group, it may be an opportunity for guys to finish their careers well, it’s also an opportunity for guys to make a spark in their careers by playing in the World Cup.”

Afghanistan’s vice-captain Rashid Khan, who is expected to lead the side at least in the first half of the tournament after Asghar Stanikzai underwent an emergency Appendicitis operation in Harare on Monday, said he was happy for Afghanistan to be labelled as one of the tournament favourites:

“It feels good to see that Afghanistan is a favourite to qualify, said the world’s number-one ranked ODI bowler with a smile, adding: “I think we should show it on the ground, it’s not only on paper that we should look good.

“We should give 100 per cent on the ground and deliver. The result is not in our hands but we can only give 100 per cent on the ground and play positive, believe in ourselves, just go in and enjoy.”

Rashid said his side was not looking too far ahead, but was committed to take maximum points in the Super Six stage.

“We should take one by one - each game, not worry about qualifying for the final.”

“We should finish the table having four points, it will be very handy in the next round. We have to take every match seriously. We have to play good cricket against every team. Hopefully it will go well and we will get four points and go to the next round,” he said.

The Netherlands captain Peter Borren admitted that the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier was a difficult tournament considering that only the finalists will progress to next year’s event proper, but emphasized that his side had learnt from past experiences.

“We’ve got quite a bit of experience in these qualifying tournaments. We’ve learnt from successes and failures in the past. It is ruthless, it’s pretty difficult to qualify it being a 10-team tournament,” said Borren, adding: “Our experience should help because we know you’ve to turn up every day, you can’t afford to have a bad day or two bad days. You have to make sure that you consistently perform.

“We’ve had a lot of success in the last three years, we have become accustomed to winning and as much as we know, this is a big challenge and we are really looking forward to it. This is why we play cricket.

“The standard of qualifying tournaments has risen a lot, the Associates have got a lot better. When we last qualified for the 50-over World Cup, we played the qualifying tournament in 2009 in South Africa which was competitive, but the cricket was not of the standard that we will see in this tournament,” he said.

Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat said his team was focused on trying to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and was confident his team had the ability to do so:

“The way we have been working hard for the past four years, our main focus is to just get into the World Cup. All the guys are very confident and for all of us it will be a dream come true if we get to play in the World Cup.

“The best thing (for us) was that everyone performed in the World Cricket League, so it was brilliant overall and hopefully we will continue that form in the World Cup Qualifier. The best thing about the team is that we are really young - our average age is 24 or 25, so we are really energetic. The next four years we will get much better and better.

“(Our fans) have been following us and supporting us, I’ve got a lot of messages from friends, family members, fans, Everyone is backing us and they know that we have the ability to get into the World Cup.”

 

[MenInG]

Fast bowler Dawlat Zadran took a hat-trick as Afghanistan came from behind to beat two-time former world champions Windies by 29 runs in an ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 warm-up match at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

Zadran claimed the wickets of Shimron Hetmyer (caught at gully by Najibullah Zadran), Rovman Powell (caught at the wicket by Mohammad Shahzad) and Carlos Brathwaite (lbw) on successive deliveries of his fifth over as the Windies, chasing a revised target of 140 in 35 overs by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method, slipped from 99 for five in the 20th over to 99 for eight before being bowled out for 110 in 26.4 overs.

Zadran, who had earlier accounted for Shai Hope, finished with outstanding figures of 7-1-26-4. Left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf and wrist-spinner Rashid Khan picked up two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Nabi and Shahpoor Zadran bagged a wicket each.

For the Windies, Evin Lewis was the top scorer with 36, while Marlon Samuels scored 34. Chris Gayle (9), Shai Hope (1), Jason Mohammed (0), Hetmyer (1) and Powell (9) all missed out on useful batting practice on a good surface.

Earlier, a rain-break helped Afghanistan to recover from a precarious 82 for eight in 25.4 overs to a competitive 163 for nine in 35 overs. When play resumed, Gulbadin Naib and Samiullah Shenwari came out all guns blazing and added 81 runs in the remaining 9.2 overs to give their bowlers with something to bowl at.

Gulbadin Naib hit a 38-ball 48 with three fours and two sixes, while Samiullah Shenwari returned not out on 42 from 55 balls. For the Windies, fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell, captain Jason Holder and Kesrick Williams bowled with a lot of aggression and fire to share seven wickets between them.

While Afghanistan and the Windies were able to hit the ground running, albeit in a reduced overs game, Ireland and Zimbabwe were not that lucky when their match at the Queens Sports Club was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield following morning rains.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands defeated Hong Kong by eight wickets, defending champions Scotland overpowered Papua New Guinea (PNG) by seven wickets and Nepal surprised the United Arab Emirates by five wickets.

The Netherlands beat Hong Kong by eight wickets

The Netherlands were in a hurry when they chased down a revised 153-run target in 46 overs (by the DLS Method) with eight wickets and 10.1 overs to spare. Openers Wesley Barresi (47) and Max O’Dowd (45) added 84 runs for the first wicket and then Barresi and Ben Cooper (40 not out) added 57 runs for the second wicket.

For Hong Kong, Babar Hayat was the standout batsman when he scored 85 with 10 fours and two sixes, while the Netherlands fast bowler Paul van Meekeren was the most impressive bowler with figures of 9-4-17-4

Scotland overpower PNG by seven wickets

Scotland opener Matthew Cross hit an unbeaten century as the defending champions overhauled PNG’s 196 in 46.2 overs with seven wickets and more than 13 overs to spare. Cross scored 101 not out from 124 balls with four fours and five sixes, and added 68 runs for the first wicket with Kyle Coetzer (46) and 94 for the unbroken fourth wicket with Craig Wallace (32 not out).

Earlier, PNG, who have appeared in all the World Cup qualifiers since 1979, were bowled out for 196 in 46.2 overs with Sese Bau (53) and Assad Vala (39) as the main run-scorers. Wickets were evenly shared between Mark Watt (three for 22) and Tom Sole (three for 32).

Nepal beat the UAE by five wickets

Nepal were quick to make an impact when they defeated the UAE by five wickets. Chasing 172 in a reduced 29-over-a-side fixture, Nepal romped to victory with four balls to spare after even contributions from Dipendra Airee (41), Sharad Vesawkar (41 not out), Paras Khadka (28) and Arif Sheikh (23 not out).

Earlier, Lalit Bhandari returned figures of four for 40 as the UAE scored 171 in 28.5 overs. Ashfaq Ahmed was the top scorer with 42, while Adnan Mufti contributed 37


Scores in brief:

Afghanistan beat Windies by 29 runs, Harare Sports Club (target revised to 140 runs in 35 overs by the DLS method)

Afghanistan 163-9, 35 overs (Gulbadin Nain 48, Samiullah Shenwari 42 not out; Sheldon Cottrell 3-43, Jason Holder 2-27, Kesrick Williams 2-34)

Windies 110 all out, 26.4 overs (Evin Lewis 36, Marlon Samuels 34; Dawlat Zadran 4-26, Rashid Khan 2-7, Sharafuddin Ashraf 2-21)

Netherlands beat Hong Kong by eight wickets, Old Hararians, Harare (target revised to 153 runs in 46 overs by the DLS method)

Hong Kong 157 all out, 41 overs (Babar Hayat 85, Shahid Wasif 24, Nizakat Khan 15, Tanwir Afzal 15; Paul van Meekeren 4-17, Pieter Seelaar 2-17)

Netherlands 155-2, 35.5 overs (Wesley Barresi 47, Max O’Dowd 45, Ben Cooper 40 not out)

Scotland beat PNG by seven wickets, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo

PNG 196 all out, 46.2 overs (Sese Bau 53, Assad Vala 39, Lega Siaka 29; Mark Watt 3-22, Tom Sole 3-32)

Scotland 197-3, 36.4 overs (Matthew Cross 101 not out, Kyle Coetzer 46, Craig Wallace 32 not out; Assad Vala 2-12)

Nepal beat UAE by five wickets, Kwekwe Sports Club, Kwekwe (match reduced to 29-over-a-side)

UAE 171 all out, 28.5 overs (Ashfaq Ahmed 42, Adnan Mufti 37, Ghulam Shabbir 32, Mohammd Usman 26, Shaiman Anwar 16; Lalit Bhandari 4-40, Karan KC 3-38, Lalit Rajbanshi 2-30)

Nepal 172-5, 28.2 overs (Dipendra Airee 41, Sharad Vesawkar 41 not out, Paras Khadka 28, Arif Sheikh 23 not out; Amir Hayat 2-15)

Zimbabwe v Ireland, Queens Sports Club – match abandoned without a ball being bowled due to wet outfield

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Is Hamid Hasan's career finished for AFG? He hasn't been picked in ages.

 

[hadi123]

The spin and pace combination of Nikita Miller and Kemar Roach saved the Windies blushes in their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 warm-up match against the United Arab Emirates when they bowled the two-time former world champions to a 32-run victory at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

The Windies were heading for an embarrassing defeat when they were spun out for 115 in 33.4 overs after being 31 for no loss at one stage with wrist spinner Imran Haider claiming four for 16, off-spinner Rohan Mustafa bagging two for 10 and left-arm spinner Ahmed Raza snapping up two for 14.

However, left-arm spinner Miller and Roach turned the screws on the UAE batsmen and reduced them to 58 for seven before rain stopped play. When the match resumed, the UAE innings lasted for another 7.1 overs as they were bowled out for 83 in 29 overs.

Miller finished with figures of 10-2-20-5, while Roach claimed three for 15. Off-spinner Ashley Nurse captured two of the last three wickets, to finish with two for 21.

Captain Rohan Mustafa (12), Shaiman Anawar (12) and Rameez Shahzad (11) were the only batsmen to reach double-figures as the result meant the UAE lost both their warm-up matches in the build up to the event proper which will start on Sunday, 4 March.

For the Windies, the victory must have lifted their spirits, morale and confidence as they bid to qualify for next year’s World Cup, but a few questions remain unanswered from the batting perspective. On Tuesday, the Windies were bowled out by Afghanistan for 110 while chasing 140, and today they managed only 115.

With the likes of Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Marlon Samuels and Jason Mohammed in their ranks, they will need these proven performers to live up to their reputation and help the Windies take maximum carryover points into the Super Six stage.


Elsewhere, Ireland defeated Scotland by two wickets, while Zimbabwe carved out an easy five wickets victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Hong Kong and Nepal match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield, while the Netherlands and Afghanistan match was abandoned in the 18th over of the Dutch side who were chasing a revised target of 202.

Ireland v Scotland

In a nail-bitter at the Queens Sports Club, Ireland defeated defending champions Scotland in a last-ball thriller by two wickets. Chasing 240 for victory, Ireland needed 24 off the last two overs and then eight off the final six deliveries, before George Dockrell hit a boundary off the final delivery after the scores had been tied.

Andrew McBrine had earlier led the Irish run-chase with a fluent 79 off 100 balls with four fours and a six, and featured in a 90-run fourth wicket partnership with Niall O’Brien (35).

The decisive innings, however, came from No.8 batsman George Dockrell and No.10 batsman Boyd Rankin, which turned the match in Ireland’s favour. Dockrell finished on 47 not out from 38 balls with three fours, while Rankin scored 12 off five balls. The two batsmen had joined hands with the score at 221 for eight, needing 19 off nine deliveries.

Earlier, Michael Leask hit almost a run-a-ball 91 to lift Scotland to 239 all out in 49.3 overs after the Scots were left reeling at 60 for six in the 17th over. Leask hit seven fours and two sixes, and added 156 runs for the seventh wicket with George Munsey, whose 77 came off 117 balls and included two fours and two sixes.

For Ireland, fast bowler Boyd Rankin bowled with a lot of fire and venom to finish with impressive figures of 10-0-38-5. Tim Murtagh (three for 42) and Barry McCarthy (two for 54) offered good support to the tall fast bowler and allowed the defending champions to score only 60 runs in the last 10 overs.


Afghanistan v the Netherlands


Rain had the last laugh at the Old Hararians where Afghanistan and the Netherlands match was abandoned when it was shaping into an interesting game.

The Netherlands, chasing a revised target of 202 in 45 overs, were 86 for one in 17.3 over when light showers left the outfield wet and soggy, leaving no option for the on-field umpires but to call off the match at 16h35 local time.

Play was stopped for the second and final time in the Netherlands’ innings at the fall of Wesley Barresi’s wicket who was caught at the wicket after scoring a 51-ball 38 with five fours. Maxwell O'Dowd remained not out on 38 from 55 balls.

Earlier, stand-in captain Rashid Khan showed that he was no rabbit with the bat when he struck six fours and three sixes in a 43-ball 63 to help his side recover from 38 for five to 216 all out in 49.5 overs. Rashid came out to bat with the score at 122 for seven in the 40th over and helped his side collect 94 runs in the last 10 overs, including 21 runs off the final five deliveries bowled by Peter Borren.

Sharafuddin Ashraf (42) and Mohammad Nabi (32) were the other notable run-scorers as the two batsmen put on 70 runs for the sixth wicket.

Fast bowler Shane Snater was the pick of the Netherlands bowlers when he returned figures of 10-1-46-4. Left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe finished with two for 23.



Zimbabwe v PNG

Half-centuries by Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor helped hosts Zimbabwe beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) by five wickets at the Bulawayo Athletic Club.

Hamilton Masakadza scored 54 from 71 balls with four fours and two sixes, and Brendan Taylor struck three fours and two sixes before being retired out for 52 as the host nation achieved the 195-run target with more than nine overs to spare.

Opener Solomon Mire and captain Graeme Cremer also had good outings with the bat, scoring 36 and 22 not out.

Earlier in the day, PNG failed to finish on a high after a promising start when they were dismissed for 195 in 49.4 overs. They were 135 for four in the 38th over but managed only 60 runs in the next 12.2 overs for the loss of six wickets.

Opener Vani Morea was the top scorer with 58 (75b, 3x4, 2x6), while captain Assadollah Vala contributed 30 (59b, 1x4). For Zimbabwe, wickets were evenly shared between Sikandar Raza (two for 20), Tendai Chisoro (two for 22) and Blessing Muzarabani (two for 22)



Scores in brief:

Ireland beat Scotland by two wickets, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Scotland 239 all out, 49.3 overs (Michael Leask 91, George Munsey 77, Calum MacLeod 29; Boyd Rankin 5-38, Tim Murtagh 3-42, Barry McCarthy 2-54)

Ireland 248-8, 50 overs (Andrew McBrine 79, George Dockrell 47 not out, Niall O'Brien 35; Gary Wilson 21; Chris Sole 2-53, Stuart Whittingham 2-26, Ali Evans 2-64)



Zimbabwe beat PNG by five wickets, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo

PNG 195 all out, 49.4 overs (Vani Morea 58, Assadollah Vala 30, Jason Kila 19; Sikandar Raza 2-20, Tendai Chisoro 2-22, Blessing Muzarabani 2-22)

Zimbabwe 196-5, 40.3 overs (Hamilton Masakadza 54, Brendan Taylor 52 retired out, Solomon Mire 36)



Netherlands v Afghanistan, Old Hararians – match abandoned due to rain (target revised to 202 in 45 overs)

Afghanistan 216-9, 49.5 overs (Rashid Khan 63, Sharafuddin Ashraf 42, Mohammad Nabi 32, Dawlat Zadran 18; Shane Snater 4-46, Roelof van der Merwe 2-23)

The Netherlands 86-1, 17.3 overs (Wesley Barresi 38, Maxwell O'Dowd 38 not out)



The Windies beat the UAE by 32 runs, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Windies 115 all out, 33.4 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 20, Chris Gayle 16, Marlon Samuels 15, Evin Lewis 10; Imran Haider 4-16; Rohan Mustafa 2-10, Mohammad Naveed 2-27, Ahmed Raza 2-14)

UAE 83 all out, 29 overs (Nikita Miller 5-20, Kemar Roach 3-15, Ashley Nurse 2-21)



Hong Kong v Nepal, Kwekwe Sports Club – match abandoned without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield


These were just warm ups but WI struggled to even beat UAE. Not looking good for them at all

 

[MenInG]

The Windies coach Stuart Law has said his side will have to be smarter in approach in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, which will produce two sides that will complete the 10-team line-up for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 to be played in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

“It is not going to be making 300 plus and then bowling teams out. It is going to be working out how to get to 180 to 220 and then deciding how to get the 10 wickets. To be honest, the wickets (in the warm-up matches) weren’t as conducive as we want to play and so just have to come up with different ways to go about it.

“We do target 300-plus as we found in New Zealand, that’s probably a benchmark score these days in One-Day Internationals. Here, we have to lower that target just to make sure we are safe to play better cricket or make better decisions out in the middle and get the job done,” said Law in Harare on Friday.

The Windies, along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, had missed out on automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by finishing outside the top eight on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings at the 30 September 2017 cut-off date. The four sides have been joined by Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Nepal, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates.

The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier begins on Sunday, 4 March, and the Windies will play their opening match against the United Arab Emirates, the side which nearly beat them in the second warm-up match on Thursday.

“The strength of lot of Associate teams is based around spin and the quicks they have seem to be pretty reasonable as well. We can’t just go out and blast and dominate against these attacks. We have to be a little smarter to go about it.

“Our bowlers have been consistently taking wickets upfront and we have a good mix of off-spin, left-arm spin and leg-spin. I think it is a well-balanced attack that we take into each game.

“Our quicks are a bit more capable of getting the ball up at high speed, which the Associates don’t probably get to see a lot of and this is something that we can use to our advantage. As the event will progress, the wickets will spin more and we have quality spinners as well.”

Law, who played one Test and 54 ODIs for Australia from 1994 to 1999, valued the presence of stalwarts like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Nikita Miller in the side saying it was up to the youngsters to observe and learn from these players.

“You can’t buy experience on a shelf. You need these guys in these tough conditions to stand up as well and guide the youngsters through the difficult periods. Then it is just up to the younger or less experienced players to listen, heed the advice and carry forward into their game.”

Afghanistan coach Phil Simmons, who played in 26 Tests and 143 ODIs for the Windies from 1987 to 1999, shrugged off the ‘favourites’ tag, when he said: “I am not putting the ‘favourites’ tag on me. We have just come here to play cricket, we need to play proper cricket and win this tournament

“I am one of those who wants to win all the time, and I think these guys are the same. So, the more we will win, the easier it will get for us in the Super Six stage. You win the Super Six stage, you are in the World Cup as well as in the final. That’s how we look at it.”

Afghanistan will take on Scotland in their opening match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Sunday, 4 March, and Simmons admitted he was not fully satisfied with his side’s performance in the warm-up matches.

“We haven’t done a lot of things we wanted to do in the warm-up matches. But, at the same time, the boys have been sharp in Sharjah and I am sure the sharpness is still there, maybe a bit of jet-lag but we will get there. Hopefully, we will be able to put everything together come Sunday.

“All of us are looking forward to the tournament. It’s good that it is being held in high esteem, but you have to come out and do it. We had two good outings in the warm-up games and now it’s about business. So, we are looking forward to Sunday.”

The UAE coach Dougie Brown, who played 25 ODIs and two T20Is for England from 1997 to 2007, refused to predict the finalists, saying the warm-ups have shown that any team can beat any team.

“It is going to be one hell of a ride in this tournament. Teams are going to be flying by the seat of their pants for a lot of it. There is going to be some weather around and that is going to affect teams and the decision-making that people make because pressure does funny things to you. We try to take pressure off but to give you the two teams to qualify for the World Cup, I couldn’t because it is that close.”

The UAE will face PNG on Sunday 4 March at the Harare Sports Club and will then take on the Windies at the Old Hararians on Tuesday, 6 March.

Brown said his side’s first priority will be to retain the ODI status. “Obviously, we come here as a lower-ranked side and it would be wrong of us to just say that we are going to qualify for the World Cup. There are four Test nations here, they are probably, and quite rightly, thinking they have World Cup qualification very much in their hands.

“But for us, retaining the ODI status is very important. In order to do that, we have to qualify for the Super Six. That said, there is a little bit of dream and all of us believe we might qualify for the World Cup.

“Obviously at this stage, a lot of cricket has to be played and we have to play exceptionally well, but we have seen so far in the warm-up games, everybody can beat everybody in this tournament and all we need to do is to get on the right side of good fortune, make sure the players are playing well, which they are, have the confidence and maybe create a little bit of momentum and who knows?

“But, retaining the ODI status is very much forefront of the thought, but who’s to say we can’t qualify for the World Cup.”

Sunday’s fixtures (matches start 09h30 local time, matches featuring the Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as non-ODIs as the two sides don’t have ODI status coming into this tournament):

· Ireland v Netherlands, Old Hararains (Group A)

· PNG v UAE, Harare Sports Club (Group A)

· Zimbabwe v Nepal, Queens Sports Club (Group B)

· Afghanistan v Scotland, Bulawayo Athletic Club (Group B)

 

[PakLFC]

For the benefit of the tournament West Indies have to be there. A WC without them looks really weird!

 

[MenInG]

In what is undoubtedly the most important men’s tournament of 2018, 10 leading and proud cricket nations will go head to head in a cut-throat ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 to fight it out for the remaining two places at the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament – the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – which will be staged in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

Two-time former world champions Windies are top-seeded in the tournament, which will be played across four venues in Bulawayo and Harare from 4-25 March. The Windies, who were clearly far from their best in the two warm-up matches when they lost to Afghanistan and barely won against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will open their campaign on Tuesday, 6 March, against the UAE at the Old Hararians.

Alongside the Windies and the UAE in Group A are Ireland, the Netherlands and Papua New Guinea (PNG). On the opening day on Sunday, fourth-seeded Ireland will square-off against the Netherlands at the Old Hararians, while PNG will take on the UAE at the Harare Sports Club.

Second-seeded Afghanistan lead Group B, which also comprises third-seeded hosts Zimbabwe, defending champions Scotland, Hong Kong and Nepal. Afghanistan will launch their campaign on the opening day on Sunday against Scotland at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, while Zimbabwe will face Nepal at the Queens Sports Club.

Each side will play the other teams in their group once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six. The teams will each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage. All points won in the groups (two for a win, one for a no-result and zero for a loss) will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The top two teams in the Super Six stage will qualify for the World Cup and also contest the final to be played at the Harare Sports Club on 25 March, while the Netherlands (ICC World Cricket League Championship winners) and the three highest finishing Associate Members will earn ODI status till 2022.


The Netherlands v Ireland (Group A)

In the feature match of Group A, the Netherlands will meet Ireland with statistics heavily in favour of the Irish side. In 10 ODIs between 2006 and 2013, the period in which the Netherlands enjoyed ODI status, Ireland won seven, lost one with one no-result, while their last encounter in the ICC World Cricket League Championship at the VRA Ground in July 2013 had ended in a tie.

The two sides had also met in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2009 match in Pretoria on 15 April 2009, in which Ireland had comfortably defeated the Netherlands by six wickets.

However, the Netherlands captain Peter Borren insisted his side was better prepared for this tournament than some of the other sides and added his side had a slight advantage over Ireland having played both the warm-up matches at the venue of the tournament opener.

“Our preparations have probably been better than some of the other teams which have been affected quite nicely by the weather, but we have been pretty lucky apart from Thursday against Afghanistan,” said Borren, who had also played in his side’s only ODI win against Ireland in February 2007 at the Nairobi Gymkhana.

“We play our first game against Ireland at the same venue where we played our two warm-up matches, so it’s an advantage we have over them. In saying that, Ireland are very a good side and we will have to be at our very best to win that game.

“Obviously, if you want to qualify for the World Cup, then you will have to take four points into the Super Six Stage and that will be in the intention of all the teams. Our target is to take four points to the next round or, at least, two, and for that we will have to beat other teams in the group,” he concluded.

William Porterfield said Ireland was a side in form and that given the nature of the format and stake involved, every match will count.

“We are very confident. We have played some very good cricket over the last few months. We won a couple of importance series and played some good cricket along the way,” said the Irish captain, adding: “The confidence was shown in the warm-up match against Scotland when we got into a tricky situation, we had the confidence that took us over the line and that will boost our confidence even more.

“Every game is going to be a tough game, no matter in which group you are in. I have seen a few interesting scores in the warm-up games, so we don’t know how the pitch is going to play in Harare.

“When you look at the scores and judge from the scores, it can be a pretty level playing field just with the surfaces. It is going to be interesting to see what a good score is, what is going to be a defendable score and things like that.

“It is not a competition (in which) you can afford to lose many matches. It is important that first and foremost you qualify for the Super Six stage to give yourself that chance and take through as many points as possible.”

Afghanistan v Scotland (Group B)

In the feature match of Group B, title favourites Afghanistan will go head to head with defending champions Scotland in a One-Day International match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo.

The match is also significant because when Rashid Khan, the world’s number-one ranked T20I and ODI bowler, will go out for toss with his opposite number Kyle Coetzer, he will become the world’s first teenager at 19 years and 165 days to captain a men's international side and the youngest player ever, male or female, to captain in a full international match

Rashid has said he is happy with the ‘favourites’ tag but coach Phil Simmons has made it very clear that he is here only to win all matches and the tournament, and not to just enjoy the ‘favourites’ tag.

Afghanistan have an edge over Scotland, both on paper and on a head-to-head. The two sides have played in 11 One-Day Internationals to date since April 2009, and Afghanistan have won seven of them. Scotland have won one, while one ended in a no-result. Afghanistan have also won five of their last seven meetings since 2013, while the July 2016 match at the Grange ended in a no-result.


Zimbabwe v Nepal (Group B)

Zimbabwe will aim to entertain the home ground and make a winning start to the tournament when they take on Nepal at the Queens Sports Club.

“Playing in our home conditions and having home support is special for us. I’ve played here in the 2003 World Cup, and it’s really uplifting. So, to play in front of our home supporters is really going to be enjoyable,” Zimbabwe coach Heath Streak said.

“I think the wickets here are really good and flat and suit our bowling attack a bit better, especially with the overhead conditions. We have really good swing bowlers in our attack, and our batters are used to batting here at the Queens and the BAC, which are really good batting strips.

“We are in a tough group and cannot take any team lightly, but we are looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It will be massive (to qualify for the World Cup 2019) especially given that there will be 10 teams. We have enjoyed playing in the past World Cups, it is something that most players aspire to achieve in their careers. It will be massive not just for the players but for the country to go to England and Wales next year and play in a World Cup.”

Nepal captain Paras Khadka, whose side finished second to the UAE in Namibia last month, said his side was looking forward to making an impression against the higher-ranked nations. “We are very excited to be here. Division 2 was a very tight tournament for all the teams, but we somehow managed to come through. So, so are now looking forward to this tournament.

“Pressure is probably on the bigger teams, but for us, we have the belief that we can go all the way through and for that we will have to take one game at a time.”

PNG v the UAE (Group A)

Papua New Guinea (UAE) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume their rivalry when they will aim to make a winning start in their quest to, at least, retain the ODI status, even if they don’t qualify for the World Cup.

The two sides played a three-ODI series at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in March 2017, which the UAE won by 2-1.

The UAE was one of the 83 teams who had embarked on the road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 way back in 2013 through the ICC World Cricket League, and qualified for this event after winning the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Namibia last month.

In contrast, PNG had qualified for this tournament after finishing inside the top four of the ICC World Cricket League Championship in fourth place behind the Netherlands, Scotland and Hong Kong.

Sunday’s fixtures (matches start 09h30 local time, matches featuring the Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as non-ODIs as the two sides don’t have ODI status coming into this tournament):

· Ireland v Netherlands, Old Hararains (Group A)

· PNG v the UAE, Harare Sports Club (Group A)

· Zimbabwe v Nepal, Queens Sports Club (Group B)

· Afghanistan v Scotland, Bulawayo Athletic Club (Group B)

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Beyond a disgrace that a tournament held in Africa during African rainy season has no reserve days.

A complete joke of a tournament by a joke of a governing body. At least four teams should progress.

 

[MenInG]

In progress now.

 

[UN talkz]

Afghanistan vs Scotland

Afg 70/3 (18 Ovs)

Batting

Mohammad Shahzad(wk) 30(53)
Nasir Jamal 15(26)

Bowling

Berrington 2/10
Wheal 1/7

 

[UN talkz]

UAE vs PNG

UAE 97/2 (21 Ovs)

Batting

Ashfaq Ahmed 50(56)
Mustafa(c) 34(60)

Bowling

Alei Nao 2/15
Mahuru Dai 0/14

 

[UN talkz]

Afg 255/10 (49.4 Ovs)
Batting

Nabi 92(82)
Najibullah 67(69)

Bowling

Wheal 3/36
Berrington 3/42

Sco 90/2 (19 Ovs)

Batting

MacLeod 49(49)
Berrington 21(37)

Bowling

Mujeeb 2/25
Naib 0/6

 

[UN talkz]

Match delayed due to rain

UAE 221/10 (49.4 Ovs)

Batting

Mustafa(c) 95(136)
Ashfaq Ahmed 50(56)

Bowling

Norman Vanua 4/39
Alei Nao 2/42

 

[DeadBall]

AFG set to lose against Scotland. Target 255, Scot - 196/2 after 37.

 

[Azzurri]

Rashid khan taken to cleaners

 

[Executioner]

Afghanistan might lose this.

It's a farce that only two teams will qualify

 

[Adijazz1706]

Rashid Khan thrashed to all parts of the ground )

 

[Oligochaetes]

Oooooo Scotland have hammered Rashid Khan and Afghanistan.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Afghanistan toppled by the mighty Scots!!

 

[Adijazz1706]

Afghanistan are in trouble already, might not qualify at all which would be funny

 

[WengerOut]

Rashid Khan wanted to remove the tag of Minnow basher from himself. He kind of just done that by getting bashed by the minnows.

 

[Kroll]

Well done Scotland

 

[Saj]

A 208-run third wicket partnership between Calum MacLeod and Richie Berrington helped defending champions Scotland surprise Afghanistan by seven wickets in a Group B fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Sunday.

MacLeod scored an unbeaten 157, his sixth century in 51 ODIs, and Berrington followed up his three for 42 with a watchful 67 as Scotland ruined Rashid Khan’s debut as Afghanistan captain at 19 years and 165 days when they achieved the 256-run target with 16 balls and seven wickets to spare.

Elsewhere, veterans Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor gave Nepal a cricket lesson when they scored entertaining centuries in Zimbabwe’s 116 runs victory in another Group B fixture in front of almost 2,500 spectators at the Harare Sports Club.

In Group A fixtures in Harare, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carved out a comfortable 56 runs victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) by the DLS Method at the Harare Sports Club and Ireland maintained their dominance over the Netherlands when they won by 93 runs by the DLS Method at the Old Hararians.

Afghanistan v Scotland (Group B)

In the feature match of the day, Scotland produced a clinical performance to upset Afghanistan.

Chasing 256 for victory, Scotland were in some bother at 21 for two, but a 208-run third wicket partnership in nearly 37 overs between player of the match MacLeod and Berrington sealed the match in Scotland’s favour. This was only the second victory for Scotland over Afghanistan in 12 ODIs.

The architects of Scotland’s victory were MacLeod and Berrington. MacLeod’s 157 not out came from 146 balls and included 23 fours and a six, while Berrington hit four fours in a 95-ball 67.

Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer lauded MacLeod and Berrington while also crediting other members for the effort.

“The standout (performance) for us today is MacLeod. It was an unbelievable effort from him. Earlier, the bowlers did their job, the spinners were effective in their short spells. We took wickets continuously and that was the key to our day. Richie ended with three wickets and some 70 runs, was brilliant in the field, his standards never drop.

“It’s a great start to the tournament but we will take every day as it comes. We need to pick ourselves again and get ready and raring to go against Hong Kong,” he said.

The result spoiled Rashid Khan’s day, who became the world’s first teenager at 19 years and 165 days to captain a men's international side and the youngest player ever, male or female, to captain in a full international match. He beat the record of Arran Thompson, who had captained England against Scotland in a women’s ODI in August 2001 at Reading aged 19 years and 260 days.

Earlier in the day, Mohammad Nabi fell victim to the nervous 90s when he was run-out for 92 as Afghanistan recovered from 71 for four to 255 all out in 49.4 overs. The all-rounder struck nine fours and three sixes in an 82-ball 92, while Najibullah Zadran, who was the other batsman when Nabi was run-out, finished with 67 from 69 balls with six fours and two sixes.

The two batsmen added 149 runs for the fourth wicket, but once the partnership broke at the score of 220 in the 42nd over, the remaining batsmen failed to offer any resistance as Afghanistan lost their last six wickets for 35 runs in 8.2 overs.

Brad Wheal (three for 36), Richie Berrington (three for 42) and Safyaan Sharif (two for 46) bowled excellently and ensured Afghanistan didn’t bat them out of the game.

Ireland v Netherlands (Group A)

Put in to bat, Ireland scored 268 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. All the top order batsmen got decent starts but only Andrew Balbirnie was able to cross the 50-run mark, scoring 68 from 75 balls with four fours and one six.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O’Brien (49), opener William Porterfield (47) and one-down batsman Ed Joyce (32) were the other notable run-getters, while the 101-run fourth wicket partnership between Balbirnie and O’Brien was the biggest of the Irish innings.

For the Netherlands, fast bowler Timm van der Gugten was the most successful bowler with three for 59 even as Ireland collected 76 runs in the last 10 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Chasing a revised target of 243 runs in 41 overs, the Netherlands started poorly when they lost Maxwell O'Dowd on the third delivery of the opening over and then continued to lose wickets at regular intervals until they were bowled out for 149 to fall short by 93 runs.

Tim Murtagh, who started the riot when he dismissed O’Dowd, was the pick of the Ireland bowlers when he finished with three for 28, while Boyd Rankin and Barry McCarthy took two wickets apiece. For the Netherlands, van der Gugten (33), Scott Edwards (26) and Ryan ten Doeschate (21) were the notable contributors.

UAE v PNG (Group A)

The United Arab Emirates scored a comfortable 56 runs victory under the DLS method.

Fast bowler Mohammad Naveed finished with career-best figures of five for 28 and leg-spinner Imran Haider took two for 21 as PNG were skittled out for 113 in 25.5 overs in their chase of a revised target of 170 in 28 overs.

Charles Amini (24) and Norman Vanua (20) were the main contributors to PNG’s score but could not take the team anywhere close to the target.

Earlier, opener Rohan Mustafa missed a second ODI-career century by five runs and fellow-opener Ashfaq Ahmed scored a second career half-century as the UAE scored 221 in 49.4 overs.

Rohan hit a 136-ball 95 with four fours and as many sixes, while Ashfaq’s 56-ball 50 included five fours and a six. However, the middle and lower-order batsmen failed to cash in on an impressive 91-run opening start in I8 overs as they lost all their wickets in the next 31 overs for 130.

The bowler to put the brakes on the UAE scoring was 24-year-old fast bowler Norman Vanua, who recorded career-best figures of 9.4-1-39-4. He was well assisted by his new-ball partner Alei Nao, who snapped up two for 42.

Zimbabwe v Nepal (Group B)

Punishing centuries by Sikandar Raza and Brendan Taylor helped host nation Zimbabwe to post a colossal 380 for six in 50 overs, which proved too much for the opposition.

Raza belted nine sixes and seven fours in a 66-ball 123 and Taylor hit seven fours and a six in a 91-ball 100 as the two batsmen put on 173 runs for the third wicket in nearly 17 overs. Both the batsmen fell on successive deliveries of the penultimate over to fast bowler Sompal Kami, who finished with figures of two for 82. Left-arm spinner Basant Regmi bagged two for 69.

Openers Solomon Mire and Cephas Zhuwao had earlier provided the launching pad when they put on 77 runs in seven overs. Zhuwao slapped three fours and four sixes in a 23-ball 41, while Mire’s 41-ball 52 was laced with five fours and three sixes.

In reply, Nepal scored 264 for eight in 50 overs. Sharad Vesawkar (52), Aarif Sheikh (50) and Paras Khadka (40) all got going, but could not stitch the kind of huge partnerships that were needed if they had to give a good chase and the writing was on the wall midway into the innings.

Scores in brief (matches featuring the Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as List-A matches as the two sides don’t have ODI status coming into this tournament)

Ireland beat Netherlands by 93 runs (DLS Method), Old Hararians (target revised to 243 runs in 41 overs)

Ireland 268-7, 50 overs (Andrew Balbirnie 68, Niall O’Brien 49, William Porterfield 47, Ed Joyce 32, Paul Stirling 20; Timm van der Gugten 3-59)

The Netherlands 149 all out, 32.2 overs (Scott Edwards 26, Ryan ten Doeschate 21; Tim Murtagh 3-28, Boyd Rankin 2-19, Barry McCarthy 2-28)

Player of the match – Andrew Balbirnie (Ire)

UAE beat PNG by 56 runs (DLS Method), Harare Sports Club (target revised to 170 runs in 28)

UAE 221 all out, 49.4 overs (Rohan Mustafa 95, Ashfaq Ahmed 50; Norman Vanua 4-39, Alei Nao 2-42)

PNG 113 all out, 25.5 overs (Charles Amini 24, Norman Vanua 20; Mohammad Naveed 5-28, Imran Haider 2-21)

Player of the match – Mohammad Naveed (UAE)

Zimbabwe beat Nepal by 116 runs, Queens Sports Club

Zimbabwe 380-6, 50 overs (Sikandar Raza 123, Brendan Taylor 100, Solomon Mire 52, Cephas Zhuwao 41, Craig Ervine 34; Basant Regmi 2-69, Sompal Kami 2-82)

Nepal 264-8, 50 overs (Sharad Vesawkar 52, Aarif Sheikh 50, Paras Khadka 40, Gyanendra Malla 32, Rohit Kumar 30, Dipendra Airee 23; Sikandar Raza 3-48, Brian Vitori 2-46)

Player of the match – Sikandar Raza (Zim)

Scotland beat Afghanistan by seven wickets, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Afghanistan 255, 49.4 overs (Mohammad Nabi 92, Najibullah Zadran 67, Mohammad Shahzad 30; Brad Wheal 3-36, Richie Berrington 3-42, Safyaan Sharif 2-46)

Scotland 256-3, 47.2 overs (Calum MacLeod 157 not out, Richie Berrington 67; Mujeeb Rahman 2-47)

Player of the match – Calum MacLeod (Sco)

Tuesday’s fixtures (matches start 09h30 local time, matches featuring the Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as List-A matches as the two sides don’t have ODI status coming into this tournament):

PNG v Ireland, Harare Sports Club, Harare (Group A)

Windies v UAE, Old Hararians, Harare (Group A)

Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (Group B)

Scotland v Hong Kong, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo (Group B)

 

[PakLFC]

Scotland crushed Afghanistan to my sheer delight!! So much for the so called improving Afghan's and their star spinner! Was supporting Scotland, no questions asked of divided loyalties at all. Want Scotland to qualify for the WC proper and Afghanistan to crash out. Can't stand those ungrateful and burdensome troublemakers. Scotland Zindabad!

 

[giri26]

I think Zimbabwe and West Indies have a very good chance of making the world cup. Big disappointment for the Afghans as they had made amazing strides in World Cricket.

 

[MMHS]

I don't think most posters are aware of the format.

10 teams in 2 Groups > 3 each advances to Super SIX, with points carried from Group Stages > Top 2 makes the Final directly (NO Semi Final), and those 2 finalists qualify for WC.

Group A: WIN, IRL, UAE, NED, PNG
Group B: AFG, ZIM, SCT, NEP, HGK

So, even if they loose to ZIM, AFG should make the 1st cut. However, that makes their chances for Final extremely difficult (same like AUS of 1999 WC, but here no SF, therefore even with 3 wins, they'll have to depend on other teams' results).

I take the bold 3 each to advance, with WIN carrying 2 wins, IRL 1 from Group A. From Group B - ZIM 2, SCT 1 OR ZIM, AFG, SCT 1 each.

In first case (AFG advancing with zero win), they'll need to beat WIN, IRL & UAE to go to 3 wins; then expect; ZIM & WIN doesn't win 2 each (Or SCT win all 2 of 3 & ZIM/WIN 2 each - then Head 2 head goes against them for losing against ZIM/SCT). One loss & they are out (2 wins & a tie might work).

2nd case, tournament is wider for them - just need to make sure that they don't lose to WIN & IRL (a tie can work as well).

Therefore, AFG's chance to UK 2019 hangs almost entirely on tomorrow's game against ZIM, whom they recently beat 4-1 in UAE with all 5 games ending in landslide win for the winners. ZIM can confirm WC qualification almost certain, if they win tomorrow - then, they'll need to win 2 of 4 games against SCT, WIN, IRL & UAE (or their replacement from Group A).

WI should walk past their group with 2 wins - they'll need to win one of the Super Six games, to make it (mathematically, still not).

 

[MenInG]

Gayle scored 100 and West Indies on way to some sort of record against UAE

Currently 201/2 * (29.4/50 ov

 

[letme alone]

Afghanistan toppled by the mighty Scots!!

not many comment we see in psl by you. where are you brother?

 

[UN talkz]

PNG vs Ireland

PNG 142/7 (38 Ovs)

Batting

Tony Ura 94(103)
Jack Vare(wk) 14(25)

Bowling

Andy McBrine 3/39
Rankin 1/20

 

[UN talkz]

Windies vs UAE

WI 268/3 (40 Ovs)

Batting

Gayle 123(91)
Hetmyer 92(65)

Bowling

Imran Haider 1/62
Mustafa 1/58

 

[UN talkz]

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

ZIM 182/5 (38 Ovs)

Batting

Brendan Taylor(wk) 89(88)
Raza 59(64)

Bowling

Dawlat Zadran 2/17
Mujeeb 2/48

 

[WengerOut]

Marlon Samuels 15 of 34 deliveries against UAE . How the heck is he still playing ODIs !!!

 

[DeadBall]

Scotland on their was to an easy second win chasing a target of 91 against HKG.

 

[MMHS]

ZIM chocking at the wrong time - might end up in super six with zero point (& exit from WC at first game of SS against WI)

 

[Adijazz1706]

Ireland's match could be interesting, Zim depends on Cremer and Raza bowling well.

 

[DeadBall]

Scotland on their was to an easy second win chasing a target of 91 against HKG.

Scotland chasing down the target albeit at the cost of six wickets.

 

[DeadBall]

Btw what's the format? Do the top teams from each group qualify or is there a knock out stage later on?

 

[UN talkz]

Btw what's the format? Do the top teams from each group qualify or is there a knock out stage later on?

Check post #44

 

[DeadBall]

Check post #44

Thanks. Looks quite complicated.

 

[mhraja]

Skindar Raza

W 0 W 2 4 W

Afg from 163/4 to 169/7

Need 28 runs with 3 wickets in hand.

 

[DeadBall]

8 down now with 22 more to get.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

8 down now with 22 more to get.

is there live telecast?

 

[DeadBall]

is there live telecast?

Don't think so.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

9 down now

 

[DeadBall]

9 down now with 20 runs remaining.

 

[Joginder_Sharma]

9 down .. Mujeeb bowled

 

[Oligochaetes]

177-9

 

[Oligochaetes]

I think they dont want to play in World cup

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

9 down now with 20 runs remaining.

i still have a feeling that afghans may win

 

[mhraja]

is there live telecast?

Don't think so.

There will be live stream Super 6 onwards only.

 

[DeadBall]

i still have a feeling that afghans may win

RRR is 2.5 and Dawlat can bit a bit but he has to shield his brother from the strike.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

There will be live stream Super 6 onwards only.

super6?
afghan can get in easily still

 

[mhraja]

Both Muzarabani and Raza have finsihed their qouta so some relief for Afghans.

 

[mhraja]

super6?
afghan can get in easily still

Yes but like 99 WC, the points against the fellow qualifiers will be carried forward to Super6.

So if Afghans loose this one and Zim and Scots qualify then Afghan will start Super 6 with 0 points which make it tough to finish in top 2.

 

[DeadBall]

super6?
afghan can get in easily still

Yeah they just have to beat Nepal and Hong Kong to qualify but they will go with 0 points in the super six, it gets a bit complicated later on.

 

[DeadBall]

They should look to just take the odd single and let Dawlat have a go in the last over with 10-12 left.

 

[mhraja]

14 to win now

 

[DeadBall]

:4 by Shapoor, 14 more required.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

toldya afgan gonna win

 

[DeadBall]

toldya afgan gonna win

Still 12 runs left.

 

[DeadBall]

RRR up to 3.

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

Still 12 runs left.

ya but they will ..