ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018 - Discussion Thread

[aloo paratha]

Scotland out of Miss the world Cup by 5 runs, Zimbabwe miss the world Cup by 3 runs. There should have been at least 12 teams...

 

[DeadBall]

My sympathies now with the UAE.

One, Mustafa's incredibly sportsmanlike warning to Williams who was taking off from the non striker's end before the ball was bowled. This needs more airtime and should be highlighted.

Two, the same William's bad spirited gesture at Amir, who didn't collide intentionally.

Yeah saw that, great sportsmanship spirit, although I think it was Raza he warned.

 

[Joginder_Sharma]

Actually, it's (DWL) the closest they could come for a revised target and it's fair actually. DWL calculates past games from such situations and then project a tentative total for side batting first. Then, factor the loss of over to set the revised target for side batting 2nd and they factor wickets at hand as well.

For today's case, ideally with 13 balls left and 3 wickets at hand; UAE should have closed at around 256 (not necessarily it will be every time - some days it can end at 245/9, some days 273/8, they take an average). While ZIM is chasing, 10 overs are reducing, but target was 25 less as well, which helps the chasing side - the lesser the target, pressure of keeping wickets at hand reduces. Take yesterday's PZ vs KK game: in 16 overs, PZ ended 170/8; while KK 157/2 I believe - take the game to 20 overs; KK would have walked past 185 or so that PZ could have posted (had te kept wickets to target 20 overs, then it won't have been 170 by 16, may be 153/4 in 16..)

In today's case, it would have been worse, had the target been set with straight line average - roughly 195 in 40 overs. That equation will ALWAYS favor the chasing side BIG TIME.

ICC have tried several methods, at the end DWL is lasting for 2 daces almost now, because it's the possible best method. And, it's a live method - constantly adjusting the "per", as scores of latest games are brought into equation - that factors the changing context of ODI game. 10 years back, ZIM's target probably would have been around 220 .... and if this 300+ scores become a norm, 10 years later same target would reach 240+

Come on, 235 in 47 overs and 240 in 40 overs and too when the batting side has already lost 7 wickets. Don't know about others but doesn't seem fair to me.

 

[HitWicket]

Come on, 235 in 47 overs and 240 in 40 overs and too when the batting side has already lost 7 wickets. Don't know about others but doesn't seem fair to me.

230 in 40 overs*. Seemed pretty fair to me.

 

[sohailmm]

Hope Ireland make it through tomorrow , anyone but afghans who always betray their benefactor.

 

[Joginder_Sharma]

230 in 40 overs*. Seemed pretty fair to me.

Pls read his comment again he's saying => "10 years later same target would reach 240+"

 

[HitWicket]

Pls read his comment again he's saying => "10 years later same target would reach 240+"

Oh right sorry. On second reading [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]'s comment about DLS constantly adjusting as a live method isn't correct.

 

[Pakpak]

I hope Afghanistan wins then!

They probably will if Rashid Khan fires which he will as he is in great form.

 

[sam_ahm]

I'm gutted at Zimbabwe's loss today. Desperately wanted them to qualify. I have always been a big fan of zimbos. Was almost in tears.

I'm not watching any cricket now. This is just way too harsh on teams. I'm done. Tennis and F1 for me.

 

[DeadBall]

To me the target of almost 6 an over for Zimbabwe was ridiculous. That means that UAE would have ended up scoring around 300 which was impossible given they were 235/7 with only 2.1 overs left.

 

[Abdullah719]

UAE GIVE AFGHANISTAN AND IRELAND WORLD CUP LIFE

The United Arab Emirates broke around 20 million hearts and made nearly 50 million friends when they eliminated Zimbabwe from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 race to give Afghanistan and Ireland a lifeline by turning their last Super Six match as a shootout for the last remaining spot in the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over event which will be staged in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

The UAE, who were out of World Cup contention last week after losing to Scotland, did a huge favour to Afghanistan and Ireland, when against all odds and expectations, they defeated Zimbabwe by three runs in the penultimate match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 in front of a packed to capacity Harare Sports Stadium.

Thursday’s result means the winner of Friday’s match will become the second qualifiers after the Windies to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and will also feature in Sunday’s final. Apart from the significance of this match, it will be Niall O’Brien’s 100th ODI while Rashid Khan will be looking to claim four wickets to become the quickest bowler to 100 wickets.

A vibrant, lively and cheering crowd of around 12,000 spectators couldn’t dampen the spirits of the UAE players who saved their best performance of the tournament for Zimbabwe’s most crucial match to knock them out of contention for a place in the World Cup.

The UAE also got a stroke of luck when rain came down in force with their score at 235 for seven in 47.5 overs. However, when play resumed after a loss of 119 minutes (including 30 minutes of lunch break), Zimbabwe’s target was revised to 230 in 40 overs.

The UAE then turned the heat on the Zimbabwe batsmen when they reduced them to 45 for three that included the prized scalp of the tournament’s leading run-getter Brendan Taylor. Sean Williams and Peter Moor, playing his first match of the tournament, lifted them to 124 before the climbing required run-rate resulted in the demise of Moor (39).

When the last eight-over Power Play started, Zimbabwe needed 70 to win but despite Sikandar Raza (34, 26b, 2x4, 1x6) and Williams’ (80, 80b, 5x4, 1x6) best efforts, finished at 226 for seven.

It was the third time in this tournament that an Associate member defeated a Full member. Earlier, Scotland had beaten Afghanistan, while Hong Kong also beat Afghanistan.

Earlier, the UAE, put in to bat, were 235 for seven in 47.5 overs when heavy downpour ended their innings.

Rameez Shahzad, who scored 112 against the Windies but then missed matches due to illness, returned to finish as his side’s top scorer with a 61-ball 59, which included four fours and two sixes.

Ghulam Shabbir (40), Shaiman Anwar (33) and Rohan Mustafa (31) were the other contributors, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza was the most successful bowler with three for 41. He is now his side’s leading wicket-taker with 12.


Scores in brief

UAE beat Zimbabwe by three runs (DLS method), Harare Sports Club

UAE 235-7, 47.5 overs (Rameez Shahzad 59, Ghulam Shabbir 40, Shaiman Anwar 33, Rohan Mustafa 31; Sikandar Raza 3-41, Tendai Chatara 2-49)

Zimbabwe 226-7, 40 overs (Sean Williams 80, Peter Moor 39, Sikandar Raza 34, Craig Ervine 22 not out; Mohammad Naveed 3-40, Rohan Mustafa 2-56).

Player of the match: Mohammad Naveed (UAE)


Upcoming matches:

· Friday, 23 March – Ireland v Afghanistan (S6), Harare Sports Club)

· Sunday, 25 March – Final; Harare Sports Club



NOTE TO EDITORS

In the event of teams finishing on equal points at the end of the Super Six stage, the order of teams will be decided in the following order of priority:

o The team with the most wins in all of the matches throughout the competition against the other Super Six stage qualifiers will be placed in the higher position.

o If there are teams with equal points and equal wins in the Super Six stage, the team with the higher net run-rate in all matches played against the other Super Six stage qualifiers will be placed in the higher position

o If two or more teams are still equal, they will be placed according to the head to head match(es) played between them (points then net run-rate in those matches).

o If still equal, any teams that cannot be separated in this way shall be placed according to their original Group seeding.

o If all matches within the Super Six stage produce no-results, then the order of finishing will be determined by the teams’ performances in the Group stage as follows: Group standing, most points, most wins. If still equal, any teams that cannot be separated in this way shall be placed according to their original Group ranking (1-10)

 

[introvert]

rain and icc ended their hopes.
Feel for Zimbabwe and Scotland.

 

[Perth93]

Got ****** with exits of both Zimbabwe and Scotland. Just started a change petition to ICC. See if you want to support or share it .

http://chn.ge/2pyelql

This tournament has been more exciting than any world cup in recent memory. And if ICC allowed the abomination of India in 1975 or 79 world cups, and other various lily-watchers back then, there is no reason whatsoever NOT to have 12 sides in WC 2019. For god's sake, 10 legacy test nations should get automatic entry. The only search should've been for the 2 best associate nations, of which Ireland and Scotland and Afghanistan have a fair go.

Let's start a Change.org petition that we can send to all media houses, Cricinfo and other fan sites and even social media.

I've started one just now, but I'm not on Facebook. Pls see if you want to share and support this.

You can read more and sign the petition here:

http://chn.ge/2pyelql

Thanks!

 

[Donal Cozzie]

ZIM doesn't deserve to make the WC to be honest. Even today, they had 3 wickets at hand and went for 4 runs in penultimate over, to make it 15 in last, knowing that UAE's best bowler would bowl the last over.

Didn't see the game, but from CI, it suggests, there wasn't much attempt either until last over. I think, first it was a mistake to opt for chasing in such pressure game - don't think UAE would have chased 220 here (in 50 overs).
[MENTION=136108]Donal Cozzie[/MENTION] - it's now at your hand buddy.

AFG or IRL then - it's a straight shoot out. Good luck to both teams; may the better team wins without weather interruptions.

I'm just speechless, how the hell are we still alive?

Contrary to you MMHS I'm gonna pray that for once, rain saves Ireland! Oh my god tomorrow is going to be absolutely unbearable. UNBEARABLE.

Heart goes out for Zimbabwe and Scotland. Both of these teams deserve a WC spot, every Super 6 team does tbh. A travesty that they miss out.

Its often overstated but today might honestly mark the death of Zimbabwe cricket. Can foresee many of their stalwarts retiring without a WC to compete for.

What an incredible tournament. Actual WC wont have a patch on this.

 

[JattMaula]

I'm pretty happy with this after yesterday's show. Don't care who goes ahead out of Ireland or Afghanistan. Any one of them will bring something new to slightly bigger champions trophy that icc insists on calling world cup.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Won't lie, fact we've been given a lifeline from nowhere will make it all the more devastating if we lose tomorrow.

*** if Hong Kong had just beaten Nepal we'd surely have a home run!

 

[Abdullah719]

From ICC:

Zimbabwe are still technically in contention for a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, as a tie between Afghanistan and Ireland (in which each side bats for at least 25 overs) will reduce Ireland's net run-rate below Zimbabwe.

 

[j_kazmi]

Got ****** with exits of both Zimbabwe and Scotland. Just started a change petition to ICC. See if you want to support or share it .

http://chn.ge/2pyelql

This tournament has been more exciting than any world cup in recent memory. And if ICC allowed the abomination of India in 1975 or 79 world cups, and other various lily-watchers back then, there is no reason whatsoever NOT to have 12 sides in WC 2019. For god's sake, 10 legacy test nations should get automatic entry. The only search should've been for the 2 best associate nations, of which Ireland and Scotland and Afghanistan have a fair go.

Let's start a Change.org petition that we can send to all media houses, Cricinfo and other fan sites and even social media.

I've started one just now, but I'm not on Facebook. Pls see if you want to share and support this.

You can read more and sign the petition here:

http://chn.ge/2pyelql

Thanks!

I don’t think this will change anything but will sign it anyway.

 

[TalhaSyed]

A joke of a competitio and my resentment and anger towards the ICC continues to grow.

Scotland miss out on the WC by 5 runs and rain

Zimbabwe miss out on the WC by 3 runs, rain and crappy umpiring

Either - Scotland & Zimbabwe would have still been in with a chance if they had scored 1 more run in their group encounter which ended in a tie:

Meanwhile the people who are meant to be trying to promote the game and grow it in all parts of the world are sitting on their pile of cash reducing the number of teams who get to compete at the top level.

Pathetic and down right cruel treatment by the ICC towards the associate nations!

 

[aloo paratha]

This tournament will be more entertaining than the actual World Cup where there are just gonna be flat pitches. Mark my words.

 

[MMHS]

Come on, 235 in 47 overs and 240 in 40 overs and too when the batting side has already lost 7 wickets. Don't know about others but doesn't seem fair to me.

It's done by linear maths - plotting ball by ball scores, against wickets and then calculate a, weighted average point.

Let me explain - say these days, average score of ODI is around 275, with average score for last 13 ball, when 7 wickets are down is 21 (for the sake of saying) - so, the mathematical model is predicting a possible UAE score to end like 256. Now, this average is taken from every game since 01 Jan 1971. Crickets scoring is increasing gradually, therefore that projection is getting wider with every day.

Consider 2 scenarios - 2007 & 2027 (Don't go to detail number crunching, I am just going by logic).

Of all the games, played between 1971 to 2006, average team score had been say 260, with last 13 ball, from 7 down ending with an average score of 16 - project that, on UAE total (235/7, 47'5) - may be in 2007, it would have come to 251. Then, apply same logic, may be ZIM target ends like 222.....

Add, all games score from 2007 to 2027 in the data base - since the games' average scoring is growing drastically, may be, by 2027, average score of ODI would go to 288, with last 13 ball, 3 wickets at hand renders to an average score of 29 runs - that projects UAE's end score of 264. Apply same maths now to ZIM's projection for 40 overs (which again will be impacted now because the team average has moved from 260 (end of 2007) to 275 (end of 2017) to 288 (end of 2027) - add to the factor that because of 2 balls, from 2012 on wards scoring in last 10 overs has grown (number should tell that) - most likely, same game in 2028, ZIM will get a target either side of 240 ......

You have to take out every retrospective stats for ODI game from your mind and start on a clean board - context has changed lot over the years. Or, we'll have to accept, Azhar Ali with his 37/75 stats is a MILES better ODI Opener than both GG (Gooch & Grineedge ......) - trust me, he smokes them with his stats. So, what you are thinking about 240 in 40 overs, isn't same in 1978, 1998, 2018 or 2028.....

 

[MMHS]

ZIM cricket is finished - that 4 runs, cost their corrupt board at least $12mn from guarantee money only; probably more than that for loss of endorsement money, TV money and price money. I don't see any white ZIM players (in fact any player), sticking to that sick board. ICC should be shamed to kill the game in weaker countries like this.

 

[MMHS]

Oh right sorry. On second reading [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]'s comment about DLS constantly adjusting as a live method isn't correct.

It considers the weighted average scores of past games - so every game added to data base actually changes the target. However, it's not manageable to update database in real time; therefore they might take a cut off period for one year and fix the DWL table.

I read the logic somewhere (not in cricket related articles, forgot where), and it's actually very good method. Most of the cases, I have seen teams ahead/behind at DWL per say after 25 or 35 overs (in games which eventually wasn't interrupted), ended up with same result.

You can check by yourself - there are DWL Calculator available in nets. Take next 10 ODI, post the scores after 75 overs of the game, and see who is ahead - most cases, you'll see that team winning eventually. I did that long back, forgot which tournament, but for 12 games 10 or 11 results ended in correct predictions.

Obviously, there will be some game like the Razzak blitz at Abu Dhabi or the BD blitz at Bangalore ; but DWL is extremely reliable.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Massive credit to the UAE is due also.

Since theyve given full time contracts they have improved immensely.

To think they barely earned promotion from WCL Division 2, really shows how the depth in Associate cricket has grown and how good a job the ICC's Development guys are doing, shame the ICC in general are so inept.

 

[DeadBall]

Massive credit to the UAE is due also.

Since theyve given full time contracts they have improved immensely.

To think they barely earned promotion from WCL Division 2, really shows how the depth in Associate cricket has grown and how good a job the ICC's Development guys are doing, shame the ICC in general are so inept.

Do they have any Irish pubs in Borkum (was it)? We got a couple here and am thinking of heading down there tomorrow just in case.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Do they have any Irish pubs in Borkum (was it)? We got a couple here and am thinking of heading down there tomorrow just in case.

Bochum? 1 but it wasnt great. I tend to avoid Irish pubs when abroad mostly, go abroad to see new things not the same old.

If its a good Irish pub it may well show the game. Might not though, have never seen cricket in a bar before tbh

 

[DeadBall]

Bochum? 1 but it wasnt great. I tend to avoid Irish pubs when abroad mostly, go abroad to see new things not the same old.

If its a good Irish pub it may well show the game. Might not though, have never seen cricket in a bar before tbh

Yeah I mentioned it because I doubt any other place (if this one) would be showing the match and you could go enjoy some camaraderie.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Yeah I mentioned it because I doubt any other place (if this one) would be showing the match and you could go enjoy some camaraderie.

Not in Bochum anymore lol. My stay there ended in August

 

[DeadBall]

Not in Bochum anymore lol. My stay there ended in August

My sincerest apologies on not being up to date on your current situation.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Group A

Australia
India
New Zealand
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Scotland
Afghanistan

Group B

South Africa
England
Pakistan
West Indies
Zimbabwe
Ireland
UAE

Top 4 from each group go to the quarter final, semi final and then final.

Matches can be played across England/Wales (Oval, Lords, Edgbaston, Chester-le-Street, Southampton, Nottingam, Cardiff, Old Trafford etc.), Ireland (Dublin) and Scotland (Edinburgh)

Now THAT is what you call a World Cup!

 

[DeadBall]

Group A

Australia
India
New Zealand
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Scotland
Afghanistan

Group B

South Africa
England
Pakistan
West Indies
Zimbabwe
Ireland
UAE

Top 4 from each group go to the quarter final, semi final and then final.

Matches can be played across England/Wales (Oval, Lords, Edgbaston, Chester-le-Street, Southampton, Nottingam, Cardiff, Old Trafford etc.), Ireland (Dublin) and Scotland (Edinburgh)

Now THAT is what you call a World Cup!

Top 3 are almost confirmed in either group, 4th would be a hard fought spot.

 

[TalhaSyed]

Top 3 are almost confirmed in either group, 4th would be a hard fought spot.

After watching the waybthe associate teams have played in the qualifiers as well as Bangladesh’s performance over the last few years, I don’t think even the Top 3 would be as confirmed as it may seem.

On top of that - this is a WORLD cup so teamsfrom around the world should be included. If we continue to isolate the smaller teams and rob them of opportunities to play against the bigger teams, there is no way in hell we can expect them to ever compete at the same standard.

By eliminating the associates from the World Cup the ICC has sent a very clear message to them and that message is that the ICC has given up on associate cricket - so much so that they are not even willing to give them the opportunity to improve and/or prove themselves.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

ZIM cricket is finished - that 4 runs, cost their corrupt board at least $12mn from guarantee money only; probably more than that for loss of endorsement money, TV money and price money. I don't see any white ZIM players (in fact any player), sticking to that sick board. ICC should be shamed to kill the game in weaker countries like this.

Actually it was the ICC's indulgence for so long that allowed Zimbabwe Cricket board to continue to steal money ($$$ which could have gone to develop Irealand and Afghanistan or other Associate's serious about the game like Nepal). 2007, 2011, and 2015 World Cups...how much money did ZIM get? $100 million? Where did it go?

There players constantly leave due to not being paid. Taylor, Jarvis, Ervine, Williams, Cremer, have all left at various times to add to Mire, Meth, and other less well known players. So the money isn't going there.

The venues while attractive for being quaint - are as modern as Pashtunwali is progressive. No actual seats any of the grounds, no jumbo screen, and no flood lights.

Is there any grass roots development going on? Doubtful. With all that money the board constantyl doesn'thave the money to host home games. Teams that get 1/10th of the ICC revenue like Afghanistan have to pay their expenses in order to tour, and they are still getting it done.

Here they played with home field advantage. They've played more ODIs than most teams around the world. They even got to win the toss and bowl in a DL match. Had their strongest side in 15 years, with some of the best coaches in that time frame as well. Some of their opponents like Afghanistan performed abysmally for portions of the tournament. Ireland didn't beat any teams ranked above them (yet). They barely scrapped by Afghanistan, and then repeated it against Scotland. Finally lost vs UAE. And to top it off they had two seperate chances to clinch qualification. Even today at one stage needed 25 off 20 with a set batsman at the crease.

This was a cutthroat tournament, similar to what the 2019 WC will be like. I feel sad for the ZIM fans who are by far the most well behaved on the internet. Spare a thought also for the players, many of whom will now see the ends of their careers. But at the same time, they had it all in their pocket and still let it slip out. If this was a surprising result, one could blame the ICC formating. Its a tough world in international cricket.

But the way this tournament has gone from one heart stopping moment to another, it would be fitting if the Irish and the Afghans tied tomorrow and let Zimbabwe through in a final twist to this incredible tale.

 

[DeadBall]

After watching the waybthe associate teams have played in the qualifiers as well as Bangladesh’s performance over the last few years, I don’t think even the Top 3 would be as confirmed as it may seem.

On top of that - this is a WORLD cup so teamsfrom around the world should be included. If we continue to isolate the smaller teams and rob them of opportunities to play against the bigger teams, there is no way in hell we can expect them to ever compete at the same standard.

By eliminating the associates from the World Cup the ICC has sent a very clear message to them and that message is that the ICC has given up on associate cricket - so much so that they are not even willing to give them the opportunity to improve and/or prove themselves.

The WCQ matches were interesting because they were all evenly matched. They can spring the odd surprise here and there but cannot offer anything consistent. However the look on the faces of the Zimbabwe supporters today was quite heartbreaking. Also Scotland playing out of their skins, winning most of its qualifying matches while AFG losing 3 of them and yet being in contention for qualifying tomorrow raises a lot of question marks.

 

[TalhaSyed]

The WCQ matches were interesting because they were all evenly matched. They can spring the odd surprise here and there but cannot offer anything consistent. However the look on the faces of the Zimbabwe supporters today was quite heartbreaking. Also Scotland playing out of their skins, winning most of its qualifying matches while AFG losing 3 of them and yet being in contention for qualifying tomorrow raises a lot of question marks.

I’m not entirely sure how evenly matched the teams were. I wouldn’t say the likes of Coetzer, McLoed and Sharif were evenly matched to Gayle, Samules and Holder. However, yes - I agree that the associate teams did play out of their skins.

The fact remains that unless these teams are given frequent opportunity to compete against the bigger teams they will never improve.

You cannot expect a team to improve by isolating them.

The format of the competition has worked in a very strange way. For Scotland & Zim to be out the equation whilst Afg are still in, is extremely fortunate for Afg. However, I firmly believe that all 6 teams who qualified for the second stage of the qualifiers should be at the WC to allow them to continue to improve and grow.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

[MENTION=136108]Donal Cozzie[/MENTION] - best of luck for the biggest game of your history tonight! Rooting for you guys all the way!

Although I'm an Afghan fan (my 2nd fave team after Bangladesh), the WC would mean more to Ireland and I hope they make it to play in front of their home fans and get a few games at Dublin.

Plus the Afghans have had too much success in a short time. They could use a failure or two, lol.

 

[Rayyman]

Why not just make the WC tournament 6 teams? India, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, England and New Zealand. All the other teams don't have any chance of winning. So why make them play?

 

[MenInG]

Afghanistan v Ireland starting soon

 

[MenInG]

As one would expect, the Zimbabweans were ‘shattered’ after what Graeme Cremer, their captain, called a ‘very painful’ defeat to the United Arab Emirates in the penultimate game of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 on Thursday 22 March.

“I feel sorry for them,” said Rohan Mustafa, the UAE captain, after the three-run (DLS method) win for his team that all but took away Zimbabwe’s chances of going to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, and Cremer seemed at a loss for words to start with when being asked to describe the mood in the dressing room at Harare Sports Club after back-to-back losses to Windies and UAE.

“It's very painful. We had two bites at getting to the final, and we've stumbled at the last hurdle,” said Cremer. “We were so hungry. The ball was in our court, we just needed to turn up today and play some of our best cricket, then it might have been a different story. The guys are shattered in the change room. I'm sure most Zimbabweans are.”

There was yet another solid turnout on the part of the supporters of the national team. That was expected, seeing that Zimbabwe were around the top of the Super Sixes points table and were playing the bottom-placed team, UAE, who had lost quite convincingly to Scotland and Afghanistan earlier in the script.

Rohan Mustafa sending back Sean Williams was a key moment in the game Rohan Mustafa sending back Sean Williams was a key moment in the game

For the fans, used to seeing their team at every edition of the World Cup since 1983, it was a bitter pill to swallow, and Cremer acknowledged it. “The fans have been excellent, from Bulawayo to here. They will probably be more disappointed than anyone, because they have turned out and at least expected us to win one of these two games to qualify. So, there was big expectation on us. We're really sad that we couldn't give them what they wanted.”

Batting first, UAE rode on good contributions from Ghulam Shabber (40), Rameez Shahzad (59), Shaiman Anwar (33) and a 10-ball 22* from Mohammad Naveed, the No.9, to get to 235/7 in 47.5 overs when the rain came down. In reply, Zimbabwe were struggling at 45/3 before Sean Williams gave them hope with a run-a-ball 80. In the end, though, Zimbabwe stopped at 226/7 chasing the revised target of 230 from 40 overs.

“I suppose we just lost wickets in crucial periods. Yeah, that was probably it. We had some good partnerships in chasing the score down, but when (Sikandar) Raza got out, when Sean got out, those were crucial periods for us. But take nothing away from UAE. The way they bowled and the way they fielded was excellent,” explained Cremer.

“We backed ourselves that whatever we did, bat or bowl, we will come out on top. We gave them a few too many, and then to only have 40 overs with the bat, that cost us a bit. We'd still back ourselves to chase 230 in 40 overs, but a poor start again. We keep losing wickets in that first Powerplay, which has probably cost us.”

For Mustafa, it was a result the team desperately wanted after having become the first Super Sixes team to lose all chances of getting to the World Cup.

“It’s a great achievement for us. Winning against some Test nation, it’s a first time for the UAE team. No one knows about us, but now I think people will know about us. I feel sorry for them (Zimbabwe) but it’s a part of the game,” he said. “We can take confidence from this match, because we beat such a good team. Zimbabwe is one of the best teams in this tournament, and we beat them. There is a lesson for us, and it will help us.”

Making the difference for UAE was Naveed. The paceman showed his abilities with the bat with a frenetic 20-ball 45 in the previous game against Afghanistan and did well again, following up his runs with returns of 3/40, getting rid of openers Solomon Mire and Hamilton Masakadza early.

The other star was Shahzad, who scored 112* against Windies in a group game but missed out on much of the action because of ill health.

“Coming to this tournament, Rameez performed really well and he scored a hundred against West Indies. To be honest, we missed him in a few matches because he was not feeling well,” said Mustafa. “That cost us in the Super Sixes seriously. A few of them were injured, and that cost us. He is one of the best batsmen in UAE and he has shown it today.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/649882

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Ireland 130/4 in 35.4 overs

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[RehanG]

Why not just make the WC tournament 6 teams? India, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, England and New Zealand. All the other teams don't have any chance of winning. So why make them play?

They dont have a chance to win aswell...

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Ireland 209/7 (50 ov)
Afghanistan
Innings break - Ireland won the toss and elected to bat

 

[JattMaula]

Not enough n the board I think. But it's a big big game and that brings some strange things.

 

[Shafi]

Should be easy for AFG!!!!

 

[Bilal7]

Tough luck for our boy, Sikander Raza but Afghanistan can still claim their rightful place. Shahzad needs to play a long innings.

 

[pakpassfan]

Afgan bowling is very good, they have better bowling lineup than Bangladesh and Srilanka out of the top 8 ODI teams. It'll be interesting to see how their bowlers do in test matches. but they need to find some batsman.

 

[Shafi]

So no rain to interrupt the game. Hard luck for Scotland and Zimbabwe

 

[DeadBall]

AFG panicking after a good start. Most of their batsmen are either brainless sloggers or tuk tuks.

 

[Shafi]

Openers already did the damage. It will be a miracle for Ireland to win this match

 

[Zahid87]

Afghanistan are screwing this up big time. Pressure getting to them.

They need someone to come in and tonk a few now to ease the rate. Leaving too late will see them collapse.

 

[Shafi]

Unless Ireland takes couple of wickets they don't have any chance to win this match

 

[Adijazz1706]

McCarthy ruining it for the Irish

And he gets the wicket

 

[Shafi]

McCarthy spoiled the chase!!!!!

 

[Usman Chadda]

With all due respect, all of the teams in this tournament would get smashed by the top 6. Besides the West Indies, the quality of the bowling attacks of the associates is horrible to say the least.

 

[Markhor]

Can only add to what's already been said about the unfairness of the World Cup format. World Cups are meant to showcase the sport to the world and build new audiences but cricket is one of the few sports that is contracting its World Cup instead of expanding. I feel terribly for those players who've grafted for years with their country, through the WCL and these qualifiers around the world, only to be shut out by the ICC.

12 teams would be a happy medium where you maintain the competitiveness of the tournament and reward the best associate teams.

 

[Joginder_Sharma]

Congrats to Afghanistan ... they are through to 2019 WC.

 

[rhony]

It looked impossible for Afg before super sixes. They will be the giant slayers in 2019

 

[JattMaula]

Afgans go through!!!!

 

[sam_ahm]

Congratulations to the ICC in making half the World Cup as Asia Cup - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

For the first time since I don't know when the only representative from Europe will be England and the only representative from Africa will be South Africa. One from Americas and two from Australia / Pacific.

What a Global tournament we are going to witness!! WOW!

 

[MMHS]

Must appreciate the AFG team and the players.

It had been a roller coaster journey but credit must be given to the players for doing the job at their hand proficiently. At least 5 teams had the chance to eliminate them, but AFGs hanged on to their task. And, I read lots of criticism for the Captain, but Stanikzai guy actually transformed the team in later half of the tournament.

Congrats to all AFG members of PP - see you UK next year. Before that, good luck for the absolute worthless game - the WC qualifier Final!!!!!

 

[MMHS]

Congratulations to the ICC in making half the World Cup as Asia Cup - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

For the first time since I don't know when the only representative from Europe will be England and the only representative from Africa will be South Africa. One from Americas and two from Australia / Pacific.

What a Global tournament we are going to witness!! WOW!

You mean South Asia Cup ....

 

[TalhaSyed]

Congratulations to the ICC in making half the World Cup as Asia Cup - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

For the first time since I don't know when the only representative from Europe will be England and the only representative from Africa will be South Africa. One from Americas and two from Australia / Pacific.

What a Global tournament we are going to witness!! WOW!

The whole world is well and truly represented

 

[rhony]

The whole world is well and truly represented

He wanted to watch Kenya vs Uganda game at Lord's.

 

[MenInG]

Afghanistan returned from the pit’s edge to qualify for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 when they defeated Ireland by five wickets in a tension-filled last Super Six match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club.

Afghanistan were set for an early flight home when they lost their first three group matches but managed to qualify for the Super Six after Nepal upset Hong Kong. After winning both their Super Six matches against the Windies and the United Arab Emirates, they received an unexpected lifeline on Thursday when the UAE held their nerves to shock Zimbabwe by three runs.

In Friday’s shootout, Afghanistan suffocated Ireland for runs on what looked like a good batting surface and restricted them to 209 for seven. They then almost made a hash of a straightforward run-chase before coasting home for the loss of five wickets with five balls to spare in what turned out to be a battle of attrition.

Afghanistan have joined the Windies as the second qualifier from the Zimbabwe event and the two sides will now go head to head in the final at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

Opener Mohammad Shahzad, who was named player of the match for a brisk knock of 54, said Afghanistan had found form in time.

“We lost a couple of matches but we played good cricket in the Super Sixes. We had to win this game.

The plan was simple, I was looking for the loose deliveries, I did not care whether (it was a) spinner or fast bowler, I went for it. I believe in myself and the senior management staff encouraged me. Today I waited for the loose delivery and smashed the ball. Let’s see West Indies, we are coming!” he said.

Afghanistan’s fairy-tale run in the qualifier resembled that of Pakistan’s and Australia’s successes in the 1992 and 1999 World Cups. Pakistan, after losing three of their first four matches and a no-result against England, won their last five matches to win the 1992 event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Similarly, Australia lifted the silverware at Lord’s in 1999 when they won six matches on the trot after making a dismal start to the tournament.

Next year’s event, which will take place in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July, will be Afghanistan’s second successive ICC Cricket World Cup after they had also featured in the 2015 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, and famously defeated Scotland by one wicket with three balls to spare in Dunedin.

Ireland, electing for bat first, lacked intensity and urgency as they failed to build partnerships and in the end had to be content with 209 for seven in 50 overs. Their inability to take control of the proceedings is evident from the fact that they played a total of 174 dot balls and scored only 102 runs in the last 20 overs, including 66 runs for the loss of three wickets in the last 10 overs.

William Porterfield and Paul Stirling added 53 runs for the first wicket in 94 balls, while the third wicket partnership between Stirling and Niall O’Brien produced 44 runs from 52 balls. The other partnership of note was between Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson, who added 47 runs for the sixth wicket from 45 balls.

Stirling was Ireland’s top scorer with a clean 55 from 87 balls with three fours and a six, before he was run-out, while Niall O’Brien, playing in his 100th ODI, contributed 36 off 41 with four fours and a six. Kevin O’Brien played a useful hand of less than run-a-ball 41 with three fours and a six.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan picked up three wickets for 40 runs and is now just one wicket away from becoming the quickest bowler to 100 ODI wickets. Fast bowler Dawlat Zadran took two for 54.

Ireland captain William Porterfield said his team had not got enough runs on the board.

“We were probably 25 runs short. Then again, in games like this we can't fault anyone. We had opportunities but we lost three games. We had some key moments but we could not take them. We now get back for some rest and recuperation,” he said.

In their turn at the wicket, Mohammad Shahzad scored his first half-century in seven matches (six ODIs), and dominated the 86 runs first-wicket partnership with Gulbadin Naib in 16.3 overs. Shahzad’s 54 came off 50 balls and included six fours and two sixes. He became first of off-spinner Simi Singh’s victims who finished with impressive figures of three for 30.

Following Shahzad’s dismissal, Ireland tightened the screws around Afghanistan and were rewarded with quick wickets of Rahmat Shah (12), Gulbadin (45) and Mohammad Nabi (12) as Afghanistan reached 151 for four in 40 overs, needing 59 off the last 10 overs.

However, Samiullah Shenwari (27, 63b, 2x4), captain Asghar Stanikzai (39 not out, 29 balls, 4x4, 1x6) and left-hander Najibullah Zadran (17 not out, 15b, 1x6) pushed the ball for ones and twos with an odd boundary here and there to see the team through, much to the relief of their team members who burst into a celebration.

Scores in brief

Afghanistan beat Ireland by five wickets, Harare Sports Club

Ireland 209-7, 50 overs (Paul Stirling 55, Kevin O’Brien 41, Niall O’Brien 36, William Porterfield 20; Rashid Khan 3-40, Dawlat Zadran 2-54)

Afghanistan 213-5, 49.1 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 54, Gulbadin Naib 45, Asghar Stanikzai 39 not out, Samiullah Shenwari 27; Simi Singh 3-30)

Player of the match – Mohammad Shahzad (Afghanistan)

 

[sam_ahm]

He wanted to watch Kenya vs Uganda game at Lord's.

Yup! At least that will be far more competitive than for example the current game going on in New Zealand.

 

[sam_ahm]

The whole world is well and truly represented

Absolutely, Which is why I congratulated the ICC.

 

[Saj]

The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 will have new winners on Sunday when number one seeds the Windies and second-seeded Afghanistan will face each other in the final before broadcast cameras at the Harare Sports Club.

This is the Windies’ maiden appearance in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier after they failed to qualify directly 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.

Afghanistan played in the qualifiers in 2009 in South Africa and finished fifth, but didn’t compete in the 2014 qualifier after having progressed to the 2015 World Cup by virtue of finishing second to Ireland in the ICC World Cricket League Championship.

Sunday’s winners will join Sri Lanka (1979), Zimbabwe (1982, 1986 and 1990), United Arab Emirates (1994), Bangladesh (1997), Netherlands (2001), Scotland (2005 and 2014) and Ireland (2009) to lift the silverware of one of the most competitive and keenly-contested tournaments on the cricket calendar.

Both the Windies and Afghanistan have already qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, to be staged in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July, but Sunday’s final is expected to be another cut-throat match for a number of reasons.

The Windies, two-time former world champions, are yet to beat Afghanistan in this tournament, having lost their warm-up match by 29 runs after Dawlat Zadran’s hat-trick, while in the Super Six encounter, Afghanistan prevailed over the Caribbean side by three wickets following Mujeeb Rahman’s three for 33 and Rahmat Shah’s 68.

Rashid Khan, the world number-one ranked bowler, is just one wicket away from becoming the fastest to 100 wickets. He presently has 99 wickets from 43 ODIs, while Mitchell Starc achieved the 100-wicket milestone in his 52nd ODI.

On a head to head, Afghanistan lead the Windies 2-1, while their one match in St Lucia was a no-result.

Looking ahead to the final, the Windies captain Jason Holder said: “Obviously, it’s a good opportunity to win the tournament. We felt we have done some really good things so far, we’ve obviously qualified for the World Cup, which was our first priority and obviously, coming into the final, it means a lot to us to finish off the tournament well and win it.

“I don’t think we have played the perfect game as yet. We’ve done some really good things but I don’t think we have strung together the performances in batting, bowling and fielding, so that is my challenge to get into this last encounter, to end this tour on a high and win this final.”

Reflecting on the tournament, Holder said: “This has been a really good tournament, highly competitive, actually quite shocked by the level of competition here in the qualifiers. Most of the teams were quite evenly matched and we had some really close encounters and most of the games were thrilling. That is good for cricket, says a lot about world cricket and the standard of cricket.”

Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai said Sunday’s match was the biggest for his country and his side was looking forward to it very keenly. “A final against the Windies, a side we all followed as young kids. I don’t think it can get any bigger for Afghanistan.

“For Afghanistan, the World Cup qualifier is a mini-World Cup and having now qualified for the World Cup, the target is to win this trophy and take it back to Kabul. The people of Afghanistan want to see this trophy in Afghanistan and we’ll leave no stone unturned in our efforts to fulfil their wishes,” he said.

Asghar said his team would like to carry the momentum against the Windies into the final.

“We have beaten them twice in this tournament. We beat them once in their backyard. So, the momentum is with us and we’d like to take it into the final. The Windies are a great side, a side which has done more for cricket than any other cricket team. We have the highest respect for them, but at the same time, we will not be overawed by them and will try to win tomorrow.

“Our spinners are the best in the world. They not only showed their magic against the Windies in the Super Six, but in other matches. I think we lost matches in the tournament not because of them but because of change in captaincy due to my absence. Except once, I don’t remember when any side chased down 250 plus against us, until Scotland did this in Bulawayo.

“I would have never returned to the side if we were not in this situation. I am still 50 per cent fit and yesterday was almost on the verge of collapsing because the internal wounds are still fresh and have not healed properly. But my return has helped the spinners as they now feel more comfortable, while Rashid can concentrate on his bowling rather than thinking about game plans.”

The Windies’ charismatic Chris Gayle said Sunday’s match will be his final appearance in Zimbabwe and he wanted to finish on a high.

“It will be nice to actually finish playing in Harare to be honest. I hope it will be a full house and fans here in Zimbabwe are fantastic.

“The way they rock to the tunes in the stand and they cheer, I absolutely love it you know, one of the best fun zone or fun base that I have actually played in front of, I mean Zimbabwe, the South Africa dance and they love the beats, I have got to take back the music for sure,” said Gayle, who has played 12 of his 280 ODIs at the Harare Sports Club, scoring 435 runs with 112 not out against Zimbabwe in November 2003 as his highest.

Gayle, the 38-year-old attractive batsman, made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Port of Spain in March 2000, while his first Test century (175) was also against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in July 2001. Overall, he played in eight Tests against Zimbabwe, scoring 498 runs with 175 as his highest.

“Don’t worry I can dance, I will dance with them, I’ll interact with the crowd on Sunday as well, I will have some fun for sure,” said one of the world’s most destructive batsmen.

Teams (to be selected from)

AFGHANISTAN: 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 Shenwari, Shahpoor Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Phil Simmons (coach)

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

ON-FIELD UMPIRES: Michael Gough and Simon Fry

THIRD UMPIRE: Paul Wilson

FOURTH UMPIRE: Shaun George

MATCH REFEREE: Graeme La Brooy

 

[UN talkz]

WI vs Afg, Harare
Windies opt to bat
WI - 175/7 (40.0 Ovs)
CRR: 4.38

 

[AFG_Brit]

WI vs Afg, Harare
Windies opt to bat
WI - 175/7 (40.0 Ovs)
CRR: 4.38

Westindies 204 all out

Afg 43/0 in 7.3 overs

 

[shokz1408]

Man West Indies are really going to struggle this upcoming WC. They are about to lose to Afghanistan yet again.

 

[hadi123]

What a win for Afghanistan after the way they started the tournament

 

[hadi123]

AFGHANISTAN WIN ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

· Mujeeb takes 4-43, Rashid becomes fastest to 100 wickets in ODIs, Shahzad hits a sparkling 84
· “Beating the mighty Windies in the final of a tournament which is no less than a mini-World Cup, is something like a dream come true for all of us,” says Asghar Stanikzai
· Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza declared Player of the Tournament

Off-spinner Mujeeb Rahman upstaged Rashid Khan’s world record of fastest to 100 ODI wickets while opener Mohammad Shahzad produced a sparkling half-century as Afghanistan defeated the Windies by seven wickets to win the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

Mujeeb returned figures of 9.5-0-43-4, including three wickets in four balls of his last over, as the Windies were skittled out for 204 in 46.5 overs after electing to bat first. Shahzad stroked his second successive half-century, while hitting a 93-ball 84 with 11 fours and two sixes to steer his side home with 9.2 overs to spare.

These stellar performances came after 19-year-old Rashid Khan, the world’s number-one ranked ODI bowler, had become the fastest bowler to 100 ODI wickets. He achieved the feat in his 44th ODI when he dismissed Shai Hope to beat Australia’s Mitchell Starc’s record in 52 ODIs.

This is Afghanistan’s first major ICC title after they had finished second to Ireland in the 50-over ICC World Cricket League Championship in 2013. The side, which was playing in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 until 2008, has won the four-day first-class ICC Intercontinental Cup twice (2009-10, 2015-17) and ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2010.

The title is also special for Afghanistan as they won five straight matches after being on the verge of an early flight home following three consecutive losses. In the past three decades, only Pakistan and Australia are the two countries who have returned from the dead to win titles. Pakistan won five straight matches to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992, while Australia won six matches on the trot to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999.

As for the two-time former world champions, the 50-over title drought continues despite twice winning the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012 and 2016. Their last 50-over title was in 2004 when they won the ICC Champions Trophy in England. They reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2006, where they lost to Australia.

“This trophy is for the people of Afghanistan,” a delighted Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai said, adding: “This is nothing but a miracle that we have won this tournament. This would not have been possible without the prayers, support and well-wishes of all our fans. This title is for them.

“This is Afghanistan’s by far the greatest victory. Beating the mighty Windies in the final of a tournament which is no less than a mini-World Cup, is something like a dream come true for all of us. We used to only imagine if we will ever get an opportunity to ever play against them, and now beating them twice in the same tournament is something that sits on the very top of our cricketing history,” Asghar said after Afghanistan went 3-1 ahead in five matches.

“The boys have shown what they are capable of. If we have come this far in 10 years, I leave it to you to decide where we can be in the next 10 years. I will not single out any individual, it has been thoroughly a team effort where each and every player backed and supported each other in the very difficult times early in the tournament.

“I think it is a victory of self-belief and self-confidence. This victory will give us the required boost to work extremely hard over the next 14 months and like the other nine sides, will arrive in England and Wales firmly believing we can win the World Cup,” an emotional Asghar, who is yet to fully recover from an appendix operation, remarked.

Windies captain Jason Holder said: “Well done to Afghanistan, especially the way they played after the group stages. Having said that, I'm proud of my boys. We came here to achieve a target, and various boys put their hands up. We had a quick turnaround between games, but I'm proud of them for sticking in. Obviously disappointed not to win this final but we had some great performances throughout. I want to thank my team for their support."

Earlier, the Windies innings never reached the take-off point as they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. No.7 batsman Rovman Powell finished as the top scorer with a 75-ball 44, while Shimron Hetmyer (38), Evin Lewis (27), Ashley Nurse (26 not out) and Shai Hope (23) were the other batsmen to cross the 20-run mark.

Mujeeb was once again the destroyer in chief of the Windies’ batting. Opening the bowling, he immediately put the Windies on the back foot when he accounted for Chris Gayle, before picking up three wickets in his 10th over to finish with four for 43.

Gulbadin Nain snapped up two for 28, while Dawlat Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Rashid Khan picked up a wicket apiece, but most importantly didn’t allow the Windies batsmen to change gears.

In turn, Shahzad played some exciting strokes to all parts of the park as he single-handedly put his side on course for a comfortable victory when he scored 84 off 93 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. He put on 58 runs for the first wicket with Gulbadin and added 90 runs for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah.

After Shahzad’s departure, Gayle also accounted for Rahmat Shah (51, 78b, 4x4) but it was too late as Afghanistan achieved the victory target for the loss of three wickets in 40.4 overs. Seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Nabi finished with a flourish, clobbering Gayle for three consecutive sixes to the cheer of his enthusiastic team-mates.

 

[AFM]

Afghanistan learning from Pakistan of how to win tournaments in style

 

[Thatsgold]

What a great tournament this has been to follow.
Well deserved win by Afghanistan.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Afghans certainly look to have passed WI, ZIM, and IRE on the ODI rankings already. Not bad at all. Congrats to them!

 

[MenInG]

ICC MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE

Harare, 26 March 2018

ICC CONGRATULATES AFGHANISTAN AND THE WINDIES FOR QUALIFYING FOR THE ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP 2019

“We look forward to welcoming them along with the eight top-ranked ODI teams in England and Wales for what I’m sure will be a highly competitive event,” says the ICC Chief Executive

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson has congratulated Afghanistan and the Windies for making it through to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and also thanked Zimbabwe Cricket, their volunteers and the ICC staff for putting together a successful ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, which concluded in Harare on Sunday.

Afghanistan and the Windies qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, to be played from 30 May to 14 July in England and Wales, after finishing as the top two sides after 33 matches in the 10-team qualifying tournament. In the 34th and final match of the tournament on Sunday, Afghanistan beat the West Indies by seven wickets with a competent display in the field and with the bat to lift the prestigious silverware.

“On behalf of the ICC, I want to congratulate Afghanistan for their efforts in recovering from a slow start to take this prestigious title and, both them and the West Indies for qualifying for the ICC Cricket Word Cup 2019. We look forward to welcoming them along with the eight top-ranked ODI teams in England and Wales for what I’m sure will be highly competitive event,” said Mr Richardson, who attended Sunday’s final in Harare.

“The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier has seen some highly competitive and enthralling cricket with all sides producing some fine performances in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.

“In congratulating the two successful sides, we also commiserate with those which came so close. Defending champions Scotland came agonisingly close to qualifying for the World Cup, until the heavens opened, while Zimbabwe and Ireland were only one win away from a successful campaign.

“Thank you to all of the teams who have competed and contributed to such an intense and exciting event.”

The qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 was a rigorous one which started way back in 2013 with 94 Members below the Test Members taking part in various ICC World Cricket League Division events.

As part of the meritocratic pathway, the four bottom-ranked Test Members on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings as on 30 September 2017 were given a second chance to qualify for the World Cup, but had to compete against the six leading Associate Members in a 10-team qualifying tournament.

Mr Richardson was effusive in his praise for Nepal, which earned ODI status until 2022 after finishing as one of the top three Associate Members behind the Netherlands.

“The success of Nepal is one of the great stories of this qualifier. Earning ODI status is a remarkable achievement and one that will, I hope, continue to build on the rapidly growing love of cricket in Nepal.”

Mr Richardson also thanked ICC’s commercial partners for their support, especially Star Sports, who televised 10 matches in more than 200 territories.

“The broadcast, digital and media coverage of this tournament has been exceptional, with more coverage than ever before, which has engaged millions of people across the globe during a busy international season.”

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

ICC reveals team of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2018

Windies captain Jason Holder has been named as captain of the Team of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, which was announced on Monday.

Holder scored 219 runs and took 15 wickets in eight matches and inspired his side to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 as well as to the final of the qualifiers which Afghanistan won by seven wickets.

The side was selected by a jury of cricket experts, which included former Windies fast bowler Ian Bishop, ex-Zimbabwe fast bowler Pommie Mbangwa, Australia’s former World Cup winner Lisa Sthalekar (who is also the first woman cricketer to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in ODIs) as well as Ian Callender (correspondent, Belfast Telegraph) and Liam Brickhill (correspondent, ICC Digital).

The jury was tasked with picking a balanced side on the basis of performances in the tournament. Statistics were used, but were not the sole basis for selection.

The same jury had selected Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza as the Player of the Tournament.

The side includes three players each from Afghanistan and the Windies, two from Zimbabwe, two from Scotland and one from Ireland.

Windies’ Evin Lewis’ opening partner is Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer, while Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe), Marlon Samuels (Windies) and Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) form the middle-order. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) and Najibullah Zadran (Zimbabwe) are the all-rounders, Mujeeb Rahman of Afghanistan is a specialist spinner, followed by three fast bowlers – Holder, Safyaan Sharif (Scotland) and Boyd Rankin (Ireland). Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan has been chosen as 12th man.

Team of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 (in batting order):

1. Evin Lewis (Windies)

2. Kyle Coetzer (Scotland)

3. Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe) (wicketkeeper)

4. Marlon Samuels (Windies)

5. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

6. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

7. Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan)

8. Jason Holder (Windies) (captain)

9. Safyaan Sharif (Scotland)

10. Boyd Rankin (Ireland)

11. Mujeeb Rahman (Afghanistan)

12. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) (12th)

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai & the Afghan Cricket team for winning the ICC 2019 World Cup qualification tournament in Harare. It is a remarkable achievement for a country ravaged by decades of war & with limited cricket grounds <a href="https://t.co/hMqDZl8xn2">https://t.co/hMqDZl8xn2</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/978858864308375552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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