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ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018 - Discussion Thread

In the other match Ireland bringing it too close for comfort against PNG.
 
Afghanistan should ask more supports from India in order to play World Cup and win the cup. Arrogance and ungratefulness is what you get from this over hyped team.
 
Afghanistan should ask more supports from India in order to play World Cup and win the cup. Arrogance and ungratefulness is what you get from this over hyped team.

HAHAHA true that!!!
 
Zimbabwe taking revenge for the recent bilateral series defeats where it matters.
 
Weldone to Zimbabwe; Afghans now should win all matches in Super 6 I assume (once they qualify ofcourse).
 
Chris Gayle joined Hashim Amla and Sachin Tendulkar as only the third batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score centuries against 11 different countries, while Shimron Hetmyer hit his maiden century as the Windies defeated the United Arab Emirates by 60 runs in their opening Group A fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Old Hararians in Harare on Tuesday.

Gayle clubbed 11 sixes and seven fours in an electrifying 91-ball 123 and Hetymer belted 14 fours and four sixes in a whirlwind 93-ball 127 as the two-time world champions posted 357 for four after electing to bat first. The UAE, in their turn at the wicket, offered a stiff resistance before going down by 60 runs after finishing at 297 for six.

Rameez Shahzad, the 30-year-old right-handed batsman, showed a lot of courage and grit while scoring an attractive unbeaten 112. It was his second century in 13th ODIs, which came off 107 balls and was laced with nine fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Shaiman Anwar (64) and Adnan Mufti (45).

The Windies captain Jason Holder capped a good day for his side after returning figures of 10-1-53-5. Kemar Roach claimed the wicket of opener Chirag Suri, which gave him his 100th wicket in ODIs.

However, the star of the match was the 38-year-old Gayle, who was in sparkling form and made the ball disappear to all parts of the park at his leisure on a bright and sunny morning in front of 250-odd spectators. He reached his half-century from 47 balls with five fours and three sixes, while his next 50 runs came from 32 balls with two fours and five sixes.

When Gayle pushed UAE captain Rohan Mustafa for a single to mid-off for his 23rd career century, he added the UAE to his list of countries against whom he has reached three-figures. The other 10 countries to get Gayle’s wrath are Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

South Africa’s Amla has scored his 26 centuries against Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Windies and Zimbabwe in a 164-ODI career, while Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries were against Australia, Bangladesh, England, Kenya, Namibia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Windies and Zimbabwe.

Australia’s Ricky Ponting’s 29 centuries were against 10 countries, while his 30th was against the Asia XI in January 2005.

After Gayle departed at the score of 191 in the 29th over, Hetymer continued the good work when he took the UAE bowlers to the cleaners with some precise stroke-play and excellent shot selection as the Windies collected 166 runs in the last 21 overs.

Hetmyer, who captained the Windies to the U19 World Cup title in Bangladesh in 2016, reached his century from 78 balls with 10 fours and four sixes. He was eventually caught at the wicket off fast bowler Amir Hayat, who finished as the most expensive UAE bowler by conceding 80 runs off his 10 overs.



Zimbabwe v Afghanistan (Group B)

Zimbabwe handed Afghanistan their second successive defeat in the tournament when the African side successfully defended 196 runs to win by two runs in a nail-biting finish at the Queens Sports Club. It was Zimbabwe’s second straight victory and while it has enhanced their chances of reaching the Super Six stage, the defeat has left Afghanistan in serious trouble as they have to win their remaining two matches regains Nepal and Hong Kong to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.

Afghanistan were cruising at 163 for four before they slipped to 177 for nine. They needed six runs off the last over, but managed only three as Brian Vitori had Shahpoor Zadran caught at the wicket as the Asian side was bowled out for 194 in 49.3 overs.

However, 21-year-old fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was Zimbabwe’s hero when he returned figures of 10-1-47-4 to create panic in the Afghanistan camp. Muzarabani was well supported by Sikandar Raza, who followed up his 60 with three for 40 to walk away with the player of the match award.

Afghanistan captain Rashid later said: “What a good game! We started off very well with the ball and finished very well and restricted them to under 200. The batsmen played some irresponsible shots because of which we lost the match. Lots of things to learn from it and hopefully in upcoming matches we will not repeat the mistakes.

“I think the positive thing was we bowled really well compared to the last match. In the middle we had some partnerships when Nabi and Rahmat were there but with 40 runs required and eight wickets in hand, played some irresponsible shots. It is part of cricket and it happens. These are the things that we learnt and hopefully will not repeat in the future.”

Earlier, Brendan Taylor (89, 88b, 7x4, 3x6) and Sikandar Raza (60, 68b, 6x4, 1x6) added 98 runs for the fifth wicket to lift Zimbabwe from 66 for four to 164 for four before the home side lost their last six wickets for 32 runs in the next 10 overs to be bowled out for 195 in 43 overs.

World’s number-one ranked Rashid Khan bagged three for 38, while Mujeeb Rahman claimed three for 49. Fast bowler Dawlat Zadran picked up two for 17.

In their run-chase, Afghanistan were in some bother at 58 for three, but then Rahmat Shah (69, 91b, 5x4, 1x6) and Mohammd Nabi (51) added 98 for the fourth wicket to repair their damage. However, when Nabi fell victim to Raza, it opened all floodgates as the pace and spin combination of Muzarabani and Sikandar ran through the Afghanistan lower order.



Ireland v PNG (Group A)

A career-best 151 by Papua New Guinea (PNG) opener Tony Ura was not enough to prevent Ireland from registering their second straight victory when they won by six wickets.

The 28-year-old, who was the ninth batsman out, hit 10 fours and six sixes to carry his side to 235 all out in 50 overs. This was 64.26 per cent of the total, the highest-ever in an all-out ODI innings. Together with Chad Soper (25), Ura added 83 runs for the seventh wicket after PNG were struggling at 116 for seven in the 33rd over.

For Ireland, off-spinner Andy McBrine claimed three for 38 while fast bowlers Boyd Rankin and Kevin O’Brien bagged two wickets apiece conceding 41 and 53 runs, respectively.

In their turn at the wicket, Ireland were led from the front by their captain William Porterfield, who struck his 11th career century as the European side achieved their second consecutive victory with four wickets and five balls to spare.

Porterfield scored 111 from 133 balls with the help of 12 fours, and put on 108 runs for the third wicket with Ed Joyce, who contributed a 69-ball 53 with four fours.


Scotland v Hong Kong (Group B)

Scotland off-spinner Tom Sole returned figures of 10-5-15-4 and fast bowler Alasdair Evan bagged three for 19 at the Bulawayo Athletic Club as Hong Kong collapsed from 46 for no wicket in the 11th over to 91 all out in the 39th over.

The defending champions almost made a mess of a small total, before romping to their second successive victory in Group B in the 24th over for the loss of six wickets. Captain Kyle Coetzer was the top scorer with 41 not out, Ehsan Khan took three for 29 and Ehsan Nawaz picked up two for 24.

Sole, later adjudged player of the match, said: “From the start of the day, it looked a bit tackier, I think, compared to the wicket we played Afghanistan on, so I thought there might be a little more turn, thankfully there was, for me.

“It’s a spinner’s paradise. It will be interesting later on in the competition seeing if the wickets are getting drier and spin becomes even more of a factor. But our batters batted comfortably well in there, Coetzer did a great job at the top and managed to get us home.”


Scores in brief:

Windies beat UAE by 60 runs, Old Hararians, Harare (Group A)

Windies 357-4 (Shimron Hetmyer 127, Chris Gayle 123, Shai Hope 35 retired not out, Evin Lewis 31)

UAE 297-6, 50 overs (Rameez Shahzad 112 not out, Shaiman Anwar 64, Adnan Mufti 45, Chirag Suri 38; Jason Holder 5-53)

Player of the match – Shimran Hetmyer (Windies)



Ireland beat PNG by four wickets, Harare Sports Club, Harare (Group A)

PNG 235 all out, 50 overs (Tony Ura 151, Chad Soper 25; Andy McBrine 3-38, Boyd Rankin 2-41, Kevin O’Brien 2-53)

Ireland 237-6, 49.1 overs (William Porterfield 111, Ed Joyce 53, Paul Stirling 27; Assad Vala 2-39)

Player of the match – Tony Ura (PNG)



Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by two runs, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo (Group B)

Zimbabwe 196 all out, 43 overs (Brendan Taylor 89, Sikandar Raza 60, Graeme Cremer 19 not out; Rashid Khan 3-38, Mujeeb Rahman 3-49, Dawlat Zadran 2-17)

Afghanistan 194 all out, 49.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 69, Mohammad Nabi 51, Mohamad Shahzad 24; Sikandar Raza 3-40)

Player of the match – Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)



Scotland beat Hong Kong by four wickets, Bulawayo Athletic Club, Bulawayo (Group B)

Hong Kong 91 all out, 38.2 overs (Nizakat Khan 26, Aizaz Khan 17, Ehsan Khan 16 not out, Tom Sole 4-15, Alasdair Evans 3-19, Mark Watt 2-23)

Scotland 92-6, 23.3 overs (Kyle Coetzer 41 not out, George Munsey 22; Ehsan Khan 3-29, Ehsan Nawaz 2-24)

Player of the match – Tom Sole (Scotland)
 
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Looks like ZIM's investment on B Taylor paid off at critical moment.
 
Damn, was hoping AFG wouldve won as then they wouldve taken points off of Zimbabwe.

This tournament is already better than the actual WC is going to be, what with matches of actual significance and an actual global appeal. Two 150's in 3 days by Associate batsmen vs FM's, zero live coverage. Meanwhile India vs SL is live, whoppedy do.
 
Compare this one moment with what the entire 2019 event will be

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For those asking here is the full video of Vitori taking the last wicket and <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanTaylor86?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendanTaylor86</a> golden catch! WHAT A TEAM, WHAT A WIN! <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZimCricketv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GraemeCremer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GraemeCremer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Maru09Mw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maru09Mw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sean14williams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sean14williams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PJMoor10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PJMoor10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kingsoly21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kingsoly21</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Craig_Ervine77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Craig_Ervine77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZIMvAFG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZIMvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zimbabwe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zimbabwe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bulawayo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bulawayo</a> <a href="https://t.co/kCQy1hQv2Y">pic.twitter.com/kCQy1hQv2Y</a></p>— Merna Cremer (@MernaCremer767) <a href="https://twitter.com/MernaCremer767/status/971063707672481792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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not many comment we see in psl by you. where are you brother?

Unfortunately not had a chance to watch much PSL this year man :(

In-Shaa-Allah will try tuning in more often at the business end of the competition :)
 
As for the Afghans they are realistically knocked out. The two teams they lost to will both make the super sixes so the points carry over.

Even on the chance they defeat Nepal and HK (should be straightforward) none of those points carry over, so they'll need to defeat Ireland, the Windies, the Netherlands (assuming they finish 3rd in Group A) and even then, hope that two of those three teams do them a favour and take points off of Scotland and Zimbabwe, and even then that wont be enough if one of the Group A teams enters the S6 stage with a 100% record, and EVEN THEN its down to NRR.

If they suffer one wash out in their remaining games they're officially screwed.
 
Compare this one moment with what the entire 2019 event will be

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For those asking here is the full video of Vitori taking the last wicket and <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendanTaylor86?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendanTaylor86</a> golden catch! WHAT A TEAM, WHAT A WIN! <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZimCricketv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GraemeCremer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GraemeCremer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Maru09Mw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maru09Mw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sean14williams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sean14williams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PJMoor10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PJMoor10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kingsoly21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kingsoly21</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Craig_Ervine77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Craig_Ervine77</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZIMvAFG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZIMvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zimbabwe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zimbabwe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bulawayo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bulawayo</a> <a href="https://t.co/kCQy1hQv2Y">pic.twitter.com/kCQy1hQv2Y</a></p>— Merna Cremer (@MernaCremer767) <a href="https://twitter.com/MernaCremer767/status/971063707672481792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Love the raw passion and emotion.

Damon ICC screwing over all these teams!
 
They should have at least live stream matches between Afghanistan, Ireland,Zimbabwe and WI.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Gayle today joined Hashim Amla and Sachin Tendulkar as only the third batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score centuries against 11 different countries <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/971100721100845058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Above all I'd like west Indies to qualify. And possibly Ireland as they usually spring a surprise in the tournament.
 
There are so many teams I want to watch playing in the WC. Damn you ICC. Now it's between Zim, WI and Ireland.
 
What made Chirag Suri score 38 off 62 balls in a run-chase of 358?

I understand they dont have experience and but still.
 
After watching that video I kind of feel Zimbabwe should qualify in place of Ireland? But if they do I hope they can compete and win some games in the WC and not get completely rolled over.
 
Whats going on?
I thought since afghan team is using indian grounds etc. They have become world beaters.

Surely this must be a fluke?
 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wdY5s0pbvbo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>.
 
AFGs are virtually out. If SCT beats ZIM, then I guess it's almost a tie between ZIM, SCT & IRL for the 2nd spot. If ZIM beats SCT (which I expect), it's going to be straight forward WI & ZIM qualifying.
 
Feel for Afghanistan couldn't have happened to a nicer nation.
On a serious note i am confused about the 2 teams i want in WC.. I would like WI because they can beat anyone on a given day in the main event but than again would be harsh on IRE, also would like to see Zimbabwe, as i think they will do well in England in main event if they go through..Their Fast bowling department will trouble alot of sides guys like Chatara , Jarvis will be handful and there batting isn't bad with taylor, maskadaza , williams, raza and evrine..but they need to win vs scotland first which they should and than beat either or both of ire/wi
 
AFGs are virtually out. If SCT beats ZIM, then I guess it's almost a tie between ZIM, SCT & IRL for the 2nd spot. If ZIM beats SCT (which I expect), it's going to be straight forward WI & ZIM qualifying.

don't count out IRE beating WI..
in all honesty if not for a fluke form which bangladesh enjoyed they should have been in zimbabwe rather than WI
 
I shouldn't be happy on Afghanistan's lost but maza aagaya... Zimbabwe won when it matters most
 
don't count out IRE beating WI..
in all honesty if not for a fluke form which bangladesh enjoyed they should have been in zimbabwe rather than WI

Bangladesh was 7th on the table, at the cut off day - PAK 8th & WI 9th, so not sure about the fluke part. You probably mixed it with the 2015 CT qualifiers, when BD covered 29 points in 10 months to qualify as 7th - that's indeed was a fluke. In history, no team ever had covered that much ground in a calendar year.

IRL indeed can beat WI, but improbable. These is ICC qualifiers, therefore WI with their experience won't goof up. Just about a week back they lost a practice game to AFGs, who are almost eliminated.
 
Man Pakistan should've been playing. Would've been a good way to pad some stats. :fz :babar :haris :shadab :hasan :amir2
 
Man Pakistan should've been playing. Would've been a good way to pad some stats. :fz :babar :haris :shadab :hasan :amir2

Lol coming straight off losing 5-0 to NZ, still playing abroad, whilst by all means players have a chance to boost their stats and qualify. It's not as easy as that, anything can happen in these games, especially with the pressure of qualifying for the WC and so many desperate teams wanting to make it.
 
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad has been suspended for Afghanistan’s upcoming two matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 after his accumulated demerit points reached four within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for which he received a 15 per cent fine and one demerit point*.

During a thrilling match against Zimbabwe at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday, Shahzad was found guilty of breaching Article 2.1.8, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match”.

As Shahzad had been fined 100 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points in a Twenty20 International against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on 12 December 2016, the addition of this one demerit point took him to the threshold of four demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have now been converted into two suspension points**.

Consequently, Shahzad will now miss Afghanistan’s matches against Hong Kong and Nepal, which will be played in Bulawayo on 8 and 10 March, respectively.

Following this suspension, the four demerit points will remain on Shahzad’s disciplinary record. If he reaches the next threshold of eight or more demerit points within a 24-month period, then they will be converted into four suspension points***.

Tuesday’s incident happened when Shahzad, after being caught by Malcolm Waller off Tendai Chatara for 30 in the ninth over, hit his bat hard on the pitch adjacent to the match pitch, which left a significant divot on the turf.

Shahzad admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee David Jukes and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Meanwhile, Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe and Afghanistan’s 16-year-old Mujeeb Rahman have also been sanctioned for separate incidents during the match.

Taylor was found to have breached Article 2.1.5, which deals with “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”, while Mujeeb was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.8, which relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match”.

Taylor was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point after pleading guilty to the charge, while Mujeeb was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and got three demerit points following a hearing that took place on Wednesday morning after he had denied the offence and opted to contest the charge at a full hearing. The Afghanistan team management and the match officials attended the hearing, at which he was found guilty by the match referee.

The incident involving Taylor happened during the closing stages of the match when the wicketkeeper showed dissent after umpire Chettithody Shamsuddin had turned down a leg before appeal against Dawlat Zadran off the bowling of Blessing Muzarabani.

Mujeeb was charged and subsequently fined when, after fielding off his own bowling, the off-spinner threw the ball back at the batsman who had not left his crease. The on-field umpires deemed the throwing “in a dangerous manner” as it narrowly missed Brendan Taylor.

The charges were laid by on-field umpires Chris Brown and Chettithody Shamsuddin and third umpire Paul Wilson.

In another match, Nizakat Khan of Hong Kong has received a 50 per cent fine of his match fee and three demerit points for a violating Article 2.2.7, which deals with “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel or any other Person (including a spectator) in the course of play during an international match”.

The incident happened on the last ball of the 10th over when Nizakat, while taking a run, made an inappropriate and deliberate physical contact by using his shoulder against Scotland bowler Alasdair Evans.

Nizakat admitted the offence after the match and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Shaid Wadvalla and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Adrian Holdstock and third umpire Gregory Brathwaite.

All level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points, while level 2 breaches carry an imposition of a fine between 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points, and three or four demerit points.
 
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The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 has approved Afsar Zazai as a replacement player for Asghar Stanikzai in the Afghanistan squad for the tournament, which began on 4 March.

Afghanistan captain Asghar underwent an appendicitis operation on the eve of his side’s first warm-up match against the Windies and has now been ruled out of further participation in the tournament.

Afsar is a 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman who has played 17 ODIs, aggregating 264 runs with 60 as his top score. He made his ODI debut against the UAE in November 2014, while his last ODI appearance was against the Windies in Gros Islet in June 2017.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 is Geoff Allardice (ICC General Manager – Cricket, Chairman), Chris Tetley (ICC Head of Events), Faisal Hasnain, Chris Chiketa (both host nominees), Mpumelelo Mbangwa and Lisa Sthalekar (both independent nominees).

Afghanistan have lost both their matches to Scotland and Zimbabwe to date, and play Hong Kong and Nepal on 8 and 10 March.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/637691
 
don't count out IRE beating WI..
in all honesty if not for a fluke form which bangladesh enjoyed they should have been in zimbabwe rather than WI

Same for PAK. Remember they would have been if they hadn't cancelled a series with WI till after the cutoff date. At least BD didn't hide behind the cutoff date. That doesn't even mention the fluke form of the Champions Trophy without which PAK would be behind BD this very day.
 
AFGs are virtually out. If SCT beats ZIM, then I guess it's almost a tie between ZIM, SCT & IRL for the 2nd spot. If ZIM beats SCT (which I expect), it's going to be straight forward WI & ZIM qualifying.

Wouldn't count the AFG out just yet. Their NRR is basically 0. All the remaining Super 6 games are too close to call, anyone could win on any day. It would not be at all surprising the AFG snuck into the final on basis of 0.001 of a run on the NRR.
 
Wouldn't count the AFG out just yet. Their NRR is basically 0. All the remaining Super 6 games are too close to call, anyone could win on any day. It would not be at all surprising the AFG snuck into the final on basis of 0.001 of a run on the NRR.

There is only 3 games at super six for every team.

It’s an excellent qualifier. What ICC has done is they have given next 6 sides (after top 8) an handicap - if last 4 (team 15-18) has to make the first cut, they’ll need 2 upsets (that’s 2 wins against top 3). Almost certainly, top 6 will advance to next phase.

Now, what they have done is a replica of WC with 6 teams. In WC, 10 teams will play each other’s, here 6 teams are playing each other’s, that’s 5 game league system - only difference is that out of 5, 2 are is 1st round.

So, between WI, IRL, ZIM, AFG, SCT & UAE/NED, only 2 teams qualifies for final without any SF. That’s 15 games, 30 points on offer - 12 in preliminary round, 18 in super 6.

Now, mathematically, with 4 points (just 2 wins) one team can make the cut (as 2nd team) - top ends at 10, next 5 all with 4 points, best NRR advances - which is next to impossible.

After that, 2nd option (with 2 losses) is all 6 teams end with 5 points (2 wins & a tie/wash out, 2 losses) - top 2 with better NRR advances - this is probably even more impossible (3 ties/wash out with a reserve day in ZIM’s dry season!!!!)

In any other equation, to advance, any team will need minimum 3 wins - best case is 2 teams ending at 6 points (3 wins), next 2 with 5, and last 2 with 4. This is no NRR situation & top 2 advances.

Then comes NRR - in multiple combination 3 or more teams can end with 6 points (3 wins) - best 2 NRR advances.

Worst case is 3 teams can advance with 8 points (4 wins), still the 3rd team with worst NRR misses out.

In this regard, that 2 run loss has cost Afghans the WC qualification almost certainly, but they do have the qualifier fixation still at their hand - can save the day by beating WI, IRL & UAE/NED.


And, it’s perfectly fair qualifing system - AFGs can’t & shouldn’t complain that they are most likely missing out for losing 2 tight games (that’s if they beat 2 of WI, IRL & UAE/NED), despite performing constantly better; BECAUSE their domination is based on playing most games at their stronger venues. In ideal world, it should have been 6 teams playing a 1 or 3 game series against each other’s home & away and after 10 games (or 10 series) top 2 advances - AFG’s would come 5th, trust me. WI, IRL, SCT & ZIM will beat the hell out of their spinners on seeming tracks & their batsmen on such tracks .... you know. I know, they probably won few ODI in WI on sluggish wickets, but WICB still isn’t that idiot - in a WC qualifier, they’ll put AFG hacks on Kensington or Sabina crackers against 4 pacers ......
 
Hong Kong vs Afghanistan

HK 187/6 (45.1 Ovs)

Batting

Anshuman Rath 65(90)
Hayat(c) 31(41)

Bowling

Mujeeb 3/26
Shapoor 1/22
 
Netherlands vs UAE

Innings Break

NED 176/10 (46.3 Ovs)

Batting

Barresi 37(55)
ten Doeschate 34(60)

Bowling

Mustafa 5/26
Ahmed Raza 1/28
 
Windies vs PNG

Innings Break

PNG 200/10 (42.4 Ovs)

Batting

Assad Vala(c) 57(89)
Tony Ura 37(45)

Bowling

Brathwaite 5/27
Nikita Miller 2/25
 
Nepal vs Scotland

NEP 143/9 (46.1 Ovs)

Batting

Khadka(c) 63(75)
Regmi 22(49)

Bowling

Stu Whittingham 3/30
Safyaan Sharif 2/21
 
Looks like AFG are going to HK too. 142/7 need a 100 more at 8.69. Not happening.
 
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Nabi gone seems like AFG are going home. Should thank their new form friends and their facilities. Such a greatful nation.
 
WI got a real scare today, for taking PNG lightly. They were due a bad game & I guess, they could dodge the bullet today. From now on WI should crash every other team.

Looks like, AFGs are too talented for anything longer than 20 overs ......

WI & ZIM/IRL for me.
 
Afghanistan completely fell apart this tournament. Makes one wonder what all the hype is actually worth.
 
WI got a real scare today, for taking PNG lightly. They were due a bad game & I guess, they could dodge the bullet today. From now on WI should crash every other team.

Looks like, AFGs are too talented for anything longer than 20 overs ......

WI & ZIM/IRL for me.

I am supporting ZIM, just because they were the only country that visited us, when no one was willing to come.
 
Brace Yourselves, The Scots are coming for the World Cup.

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I am supporting ZIM, just because they were the only country that visited us, when no one was willing to come.

IRL & SCT are sort of host - deserves a better luck. If it was a 12 team tournament, most likely both would have taken the last 2 spots (still can). And, looks like if the qualifier is not played on sluggish wickets, ICC will need to expand the tournament to minimum 16 teams for world to see AFG talent.
 
Afghanistan’s dreams of qualifying for the second successive ICC Cricket World Cup were left hanging by a thread when Hong Kong defeated them by 30 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method in a Group B fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, while defending champions Scotland became the first side to progress to the Super Six after notching up their third successive victory in Bulawayo.

Elsewhere, the Windies were given a run for their money before beating PNG by six wickets and the United Arab Emirates won their second match in three outings when they handed the Netherlands their second successive defeat.

After batsmen-dominated proceedings on Tuesday with as many as five centuries and five half-centuries, honours were shared on Thursday with the Windies’ fast bowler Carlos Braithwaite returning career-best figures of 10-2-27-5 and captain Jason Holder scoring 99 not out against PNG, the UAE captain Rohan Mustafa recording figures of 9.3-2-26-5 with his off-spinners which was followed by a classy 78 not out by Chirag Suri against the Netherlands, Coetzer hitting a match-winning 88 not out against Nepal and Hong Kong off-spinner Ehsan Khan taking four for 33 against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, chasing 242 for victory, were 167 for seven when rain stopped play and resulted in a loss of four overs. The target was revised to 226 runs in 46 overs, but it proved too much for the lower-order which managed only 28 runs as Afghanistan finished at 195 for nine.

The victory means that if Hong Kong now win their next game against Zimbabwe and Nepal lose to Afghanistan, Hong Kong will be guaranteed a spot in the Super Six ahead of Afghanistan. If this doesn’t happen on Saturday, then Hong Kong can qualify for the Super Six if they defeat Nepal on Monday. This is because Hong Kong have a win and a loss after two matches, while Afghanistan are winless from three matches.

In contrast, Afghanistan have an outside chance to qualify for Super Six. For this to happen, they will have to beat Nepal on Saturday and Hong Kong will have to lose both their matches on Saturday and Monday. In this scenario, net run-rate will decide which side will go through as both Hong Kong and Afghanistan would end on equal wins and points.

Afghanistan are themselves to blame for Thursday’s defeat. They first let Hong Kong off the hook when they allowed them to reach 241 for eight in 50 overs after having reduced them to 43 for three and then 93 for four. Then, in their target chase, they slipped from 26 for no loss to 73 for four and then played too many dot-balls to be at 167 for seven in 43 overs at the rain-break before finishing at 195 for nine.

Off-spinner Ehsan Khan of Hong Kong was the wrecker-in-chief of Afghanistan’s innings when he recorded figures of 9-0-33-4, while Nadeem Ahmed picked up two for 37. Dawlat Zadran, batting at No.9, was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 40 not out.

Earlier, Hong Kong’s left-handed batsman Anshuman Rath scored a fighting 65 off 90 balls with six fours and six, and added 50 runs for the fourth wicket with Nizakat Khan (28) and 67 runs for the fifth wicket with captain Babar Hayat (31). No.11 batsman Tanwir Afzal provided the late impetus to the innings by slapping three fours and a six in a nine-ball 22.

This was Hong Kong’s first victory over Afghanistan in two ODIs. Afghanistan had won the previous encounter in May 2014 by six wickets.

Meanwhile, Scotland became the first side to qualify for the Super Six after Stuart Whittingham (three for 35), Safyaan Sharif (two for 21) and Alasdair Evans (two for 24) shared wickets between them to dismiss Nepal for 149 in 47.4 overs at the Queens Sports Club.

Captain Kyle Coetzer then single-handedly steered his side home in 41.3 overs by scoring an unbeaten 88 off 136 balls with seven fours and three sixes. He was later named as the player of the match.

Scotland’s last league match is against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club on Monday, 12 March, and irrespective of how that match pans out, they are guaranteed to take at least two points into the Super Six. A win over Zimbabwe will mean they will carry four points with them to the next stage.

In the Super Six stage, Scotland will play the top three sides from Group A which will be from the Windies, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. Papua New Guinea (PNG), the other side in Group A, are now out of the Super Six race after suffering their third straight defeat and in danger of losing their ODI status at the end of the tournament.

Fast bowler Whittingham later said: “This is my first game in the tournament, so it was nice to strike early and continue that going forward. We have gone really well bowling first so far, we were happy to bowl and chase. There was definitely a lot of swing early on and as the game progressed, the pitch got slower and slower and seemed to die a little bit, it was taking spin very well.

“Coetzer is a class player, it was only a matter of time before he got a big score. Hopefully he can kick off from here and keep going. We will take it game by game, that’s how we have gone well so far. We have a big game against Zimbabwe, we are looking to rest up for a couple of days and then go full steam.”

At the Old Hararians, the Windies’ decision to rest Chris Gayle against PNG almost backfired when they were reduced to 58 for four in pursuit of a 201-run victory target. But, captain Jason Holder came to his side’s rescue when he struck an unbeaten 99 off 101 balls with nine fours and four sixes, and added 143 runs for the unfinished fifth wicket with Shai Hope (49 not out) to avert one of the biggest upsets in the history of ODI cricket.

Earlier, PNG’s 200 all out in 42.4 overs revolved around captain Assad Vala (57), Tony Ura (37), Mahuru Dai (35) and Norman Vanua (35).

Rohan Mustafa and Chirag Suri scripted a famous win for the UAE over the Netherlands when the former took five for 26 with the ball and the latter scored 78 not out with seven fours and a six as the ICC World Cricket League Division winners achieved the 177-run target in 44 overs for the loss of four wickets.

A delighted Suri said: “I think it was a very, very invaluable win for us. We know the magnitude of this win, so I am really, really happy I could contribute to the winning performance.

“Whenever you get the opportunity, you want to cement your place in the side. Once you do that, you can play with more confidence and play your natural game. I’m glad I got this opportunity. Thanks to the selectors and the coaches.”

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



Scotland beat Nepal by four wickets, Queens Sports Club (Group B)

Nepal 149 all out, 47.4 overs (Paras Khadka 63, Basant Regmi 24 not out; Stuart Whittingham 3-35, Safyaan Sharif 2-21, Alasdair Evans 2-24)

Scotland 153-6, 41.3 overs (Kyle Coetzer 88 not out; Basant Regmi 2-26, Sandeep Lamichhane 2-31)

Player of the match – Kyle Coetzer (Scotland)



Hong Kong beat Afghanistan by 30 runs (DLS Method, target revised to 226 in 46 overs), Bulawayo Athletic Club (Group B)

Hong Kong 241-8, 50 overs (Anshuman Rath 65, Babar Hayat 31, Nizakat Khan 28, Scott McKechnie 24, Shahid Wasif 21; Mujeeb Rahman 3-36, Mohammd Nabi 3-48)

Afghanistan 195-9, 46 overs (Dwlat Zadran 40 not out, Mohammad Nabi 38, Najibul Zadran 32, Javed Ahmadi 22; Ehsan Khan 4-33, Nadeem Ahmed 2-37)

Player of the match – Ehsan Khan (Hong Kong)



The Windies beat PNG by six wickets, Old Hararians (Group A)

PNG 200 all out, 42.4 overs (Assad Vala 57, Tony Ura 37, Mahuru Dai 35, Norman Vanua 35; Carlos Brathwaite 5-27, Nikita Miller 2-25)

Windies 201-4, 43 overs (Jason Holder 99 not out, Shai Hope 49 not out, Marlon Samuels 24))

Player of the match – Jason Holder (Windies)



The UAE beat the Netherlands by six wickets, Harare Sports Club (Group A)

The Netherlands 176 all out, 46.3 overs (Wesley Barresi 37, Ryan ten Doeschate 34, Scott Edwards 27, Pieter Seelaar 20; Rohan Mustafa 5-26)

UAE 177-4, 40 overs (Chirag Suri 78 not out; Mohamad Usman 36 not out; Ghulam Shabber 27;

Player of the match – Rohan Mustafa (UAE)


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Awful from Afghanistan who were regarded as favourites for the qualifiers.
 
C’mon the mighty Scots!!

Keep the momentum going mashallah!
 
Chockers among the minnows.

I don't think they are chokers; rather their skill set isn't suitable for the condition. That ZIM Game, I won't say was lost to AFG choking only - ZIM, at one stage were 180+/5 after 40 or so overs; should have reached at least HK's score. On contrary, AFG's have scored similar total in both chases.

This game is much tougher than it looks, once you are up to a certain level. Rashid is going to break every record to his 1st 100 wickets; after that every team will notice him when he is in big league - then they'll start to analyze & adopt counter strategy. It's common for every team, every sports - it's the system comes there after; how it prepares it's players to adopt counter strategy and don't fell behind. Sadly, I don't see AFG's moving up much from here on.
 
The format of this tournament has been so broken by upsets its hilarious.

So the way it works is this.

The Netherlands by virtue of winning the WCL obtained ODI status. This means that the top 3 Associate nations in this tourney, aside from the Dutch, will obtain the remaining three ODI status spots up for grabs. So this concerns HK, Scotland, Nepal, UAE, PNG. At this moment in time. Scotland, PNG, UAE and HK have ODI status but one of these at least will lose it during this event.

The way the format works is, any Associate team that makes the Super 6 (assuming the 4 FM's qualify) obtain ODI status, with the last spot being determined by the result of the 7th placed play off.

Remember now, for these teams and cricketers, ODI status is the difference between a job and unemployment. Any board that faces a loss in ODI status faces a huge cut in funding which means no or lesser contracts for cricketers. These guys are literally playing for their careers.

PNG have been placed in a horrible, yet in some ways hilarious situation. PNG are out, they mathematically cannot reach the S6 stage. Considering Scotland have secured ODI status already by virtue of qualifying, and Afghanistan look as good as out meaning HK should qualify barring a disaster, that leaves one spot left.

At the moment the UAE are third in group A on 4 points. If PNG beat the Dutch in their next match, the UAE are guaranteed qualification to the S6 stage and ergo ODI status, meaning that PNG will lose theirs. The only hope PNG have at this moment is for Netherlands to absolutely hammer PNG, and beat the WI thus pipping the UAE to third and then leaving PNG to fight it out with Nepal and UAE for the final ODI slot.

It is in PNG crickets best interests, the board, the players, the staff everybody concerned, for them to lose, and lose signifcantly to boost the Dutch NRR,For them to try and win goes against their own interests and careers.

Keep a veryyyyy close eye on the PNG vs Dutch game folks, dont be surprised if the PNG team have a bad day!
 
Afghanistan have performed shockingly here. It does seem like 2 of WI, Zim and SCO will make the finals. It is looking like Zim & WI might most likely be the 2 teams to qualify.
 
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WI got a real scare today, for taking PNG lightly. They were due a bad game & I guess, they could dodge the bullet today. From now on WI should crash every other team.

Looks like, AFGs are too talented for anything longer than 20 overs ......

WI & ZIM/IRL for me.

Having a field day huh. Afghanistan will leave Bangladesh in the dust in coming years. And it's a shame for Bangladesh really as they have been as passionate as Indian and Pakistan fans but haven't achieved anything, anything for the past 47 years (since 1971) whereas Afghanistan has already beaten West Indies and Zimbabwe and almost won a series in your home and all this in just little more than a decade. And they have produced world class talents Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb. All three have been most sought-after players in all leagues across the world while your only good player Shakib barely gets sold. What a disgrace for Bangladesh!
 
Having a field day huh. Afghanistan will leave Bangladesh in the dust in coming years. And it's a shame for Bangladesh really as they have been as passionate as Indian and Pakistan fans but haven't achieved anything, anything for the past 47 years (since 1971) whereas Afghanistan has already beaten West Indies and Zimbabwe and almost won a series in your home and all this in just little more than a decade. And they have produced world class talents Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb. All three have been most sought-after players in all leagues across the world while your only good player Shakib barely gets sold. What a disgrace for Bangladesh!

Mujeeb and Rashid are getting creamed by Associates. They have good stats because they pound Zimbabwe 50 times a year. Just look at what kind of numbers BD spinners like Jubair Hossain and Sanjamul and Razzak have against the same opposition. Then you'll get some context.

Bangladesh has beaten ATG Aussies...AFG has only beaten minnows like WI and ZIM. And now losing to SCO, HK, and others.
 
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Having a field day huh. Afghanistan will leave Bangladesh in the dust in coming years. And it's a shame for Bangladesh really as they have been as passionate as Indian and Pakistan fans but haven't achieved anything, anything for the past 47 years (since 1971) whereas Afghanistan has already beaten West Indies and Zimbabwe and almost won a series in your home and all this in just little more than a decade. And they have produced world class talents Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb. All three have been most sought-after players in all leagues across the world while your only good player Shakib barely gets sold. What a disgrace for Bangladesh!

Do you really think before posting or just trying to make a name in PP? I give you a chance - read your own post again and come back; we can discuss there after.... if you wish.
 
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You need to check your psychoses. Mujeeb and Rashid are getting creamed by Associates. They have good stats because they pound Zimbabwe 50 times a year. Just look at what kind of numbers BD spinners like Jubair Hossain and Sanjamul and Razzak have against the same opposition. Then you'll get some context.

Bangladesh has beaten ATG Aussies...AFG has only beaten minnows like WI and ZIM. And now losing to SCO, HK, and others.

He is laughing at himself reading his own post.
 
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Mujeeb and Rashid are getting creamed by Associates. They have good stats because they pound Zimbabwe 50 times a year. Just look at what kind of numbers BD spinners like Jubair Hossain and Sanjamul and Razzak have against the same opposition. Then you'll get some context.

Bangladesh has beaten ATG Aussies...AFG has only beaten minnows like WI and ZIM. And now losing to SCO, HK, and others.

IPL and other leagues are not fools to buy them for millions. Rashid and Nabi have already proved themselves in every league they played and are automatic starters in the playing XI. Mujeeb also was bought for more than a million in the IPL while the only notable Bangladesh player Shakib struggles to find himself in the first XI. Bangladesh has beaten ATG Australia. Wow! After how many years? They got the state in 1971 and have always been crazy for cricket and took them freaking 45 years. Yes Afghanistan currently are going through a rough phase but they know how to bounce back instead of whining about no balls, umpires. Don't forget Bangladesh also lost to Hong Kong not long ago, that too at home. Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh, West Indies in West Indies, Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe. That's called progress. India invited Bangladesh for a test once in 18 years after getting test status while Afghanistan are touring India the very next year. Respect is earned.
 
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And you must be crying having watched India B hammer Bangladesh.

That's better - you tried the right way by shifting goal post, previous attempt got you a bit exposed.
Indeed it was a bad game for us - we are not a good T20 side, worse than even Afghans and our ratting perfectly describes that.

Coming to your initial post, this is a World Cup qualifying thread where AFG's have let themselves down most after all those hypes. I have no reason to feel happy for a fellow South Asian side missing out - there was enough opportunity to have a "field day" in this week at their demise, if I had to enjoy one. Rather, I tried to explain why they are struggling, if you had the interest, you could have seen that in this thread itself, instead of trying to seek attention, exposing yourself.

Coming to my "field day" post - it's no wonder that few AFG players are playing in T20 leagues, because their skill set suits instant, short term cricket - that's perfectly explained in one liner. What you missed is that apart from Shakib, Mustafiz is also playing in IPL and historically Tamim was hired by Pune, Mashrafee for KKR. I can perfectly explain why Shakib, despite being the top all-rounder for almost a decade now, won't be a top bracket purchase in IPL, but that will go above your head.

Coming to silly comparison with AFGs, BD did qualify for WC through proper qualifying route 23 years back. And, you are exposing yourself here bringing AFG's win against recent WIN & ZIM - must be an achievement. Had your mouth not ran faster than head, you could have noticed that BD did make the elite round of 2007 WC at the expense of India (which probably was the reason of IPL), and beat SAF in a WC game, which wasn't a dead rubber - that's 11 years back, I am not going to WC QF or CT SF; because at this stage I myself feel that, these are bare minimum, noting significant. T20 isn't our best suit, still we did beat WI in first WC of 2007, and that wasn't a dead rubber.

Anyway, this is a world cup qualifying thread, where no way Bangladesh should come here, let alone be defamed. Still, uncalled for you tried to mess around which isn't my problem, but you made a fatal mistake of tagging me. I spend time in PP because I enjoy to discuss cricket - if you don't follow me, it's your choice.
 
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IPL and other leagues are not fools to buy them for millions.

IPL once spent 6 lakh USD on Mashrafee Mortaza. They spent millions on Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav and Ashok Dinda. Yes, Rashid did well in the IPL. Deserves all the praise he gets. But Afghanistan and Bangladesh are not IPL teams. So its totally irrelevant. The only thing you can say is that some IPL general manager/selector took a gamble on Rashid and it has paid off. So far.

Nabi didn't do much at the IPL to my knowledge. And Mujeeb hasn't appeared yet.

Rashid and Nabi have already proved themselves in every league they played and are automatic starters in the playing XI. Mujeeb also was bought for more than a million in the IPL while the only notable Bangladesh player Shakib struggles to find himself in the first XI. Bangladesh has beaten ATG Australia. Wow! After how many years? They got the state in 1971 and have always been crazy for cricket and took them freaking 45 years.

We only got a state after serving as the staging ground for an India-Pakistan war and barely surviving the largest genocide since World War II. Bangladesh was as Kissinger said a basket-case until well into the 1990s with kids literally starving in the streets.

And no Bangladesh didn't become crazy about cricket until we won the 1997 ICC Trophy. I had not even heard of cricket as a sport until then (I am US born and raised) despite having been to Bangladesh. Even India and Pakistan didn't get "crazy" about cricket till the 80s or 90s. I have neighbors who moved from India in the 1960s (Spin Quartet era) and when I asked about cricket he just looked at me blankly and told me he doesn't give a crap unless its tennis.

Yes Afghanistan currently are going through a rough phase but they know how to bounce back instead of whining about no balls, umpires. Don't forget Bangladesh also lost to Hong Kong not long ago, that too at home. Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh, West Indies in West Indies, Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe. That's called progress.

West Indies and ZIM are also fellow Qualifiers if you didn't already notice. If they had won in AUS or ENG or NZ, that would have been something at least. Even then who cares? Let Afghanistan qualify for a World Cup knock out at least.

Afghanistan also lost a series to Ireland in Asian conditions. Bangladesh has never lost a series to an Associate side, and we have played many. We've beaten ZIM in ZIM when they still had Streak, Grant Flower, and Hampshire Ervine. But thats all quite silly to compare.

Let me know how many years it takes Afghanistan before they beat England and Australia in a Test match anywhere. Bangladesh did it without the practice of an Intercontinental Cup or WCL.

Since you don't seem to be cerebrally inclined, I can make a checklist for you to compare Afghanistan in the coming years vs Bangladesh's first 20 years as a Test nation and we can go from and see who is what. Shall we?

India invited Bangladesh for a test once in 18 years after getting test status while Afghanistan are touring India the very next year. Respect is earned.

Thats to carry favor with the ACB as a puppet board especially in an era when the big 3 takeover has officially been nixed. You really think the BCCI is going to make money off hosting a Test vs Afghanistan? You might recall that 20,000 was teh average crowd size in Hyderbad when BD played a Test. Thats more than SL, WI, or NZ get.

Seconldly, there has been a distinct prejudice against Bangladesh both within the ICC and on general forums in social media. Take this post for example. There is no empirical evidence for the claim that Afghanistan will soon surpass Bangladesh, yet that is a very widely held belief? Why is that? If anything ALL the evidence points to the fact that Afghanistan will be the next Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has a spin based attack. So does Afghanistan.
Bangladesh is prone to batting collapses, so does Afghanistan.
Bangladeshi fans are idiots, so are all Asian fans barring Sri Lankans.
Afghanistan has beaten the 9th and 11th ranked ODI teams. Bangladesh has beaten 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, etc.
Bangladesh has lost to Canada, Hong Kong, and Netherlands. Afghanistan has lost to Scotland, Nepal, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong and UAE.

I agree by 2118 Afghanistan may be far beyond Bangladesh. But they have the genetic makeup to be far past Pakistan and India in 100 years too. I have seen Afghans on the basketball court. I have seen a 6 foot 6 inch Farsi-speaking Tajik dunk on an 11 foot basket. I have never seen any Pak or Indians do anything like that.

So quit making this just about Bangladesh.
 
In progress :

West Indies 45/3 (12/50 ov) v Ireland
Ireland won the toss and elected to field

Zimbabwe 83/2 (11.4/50 ov) v Hong Kong
 
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