Harare, March 24 (TNS): Afghanistan grabbed the last place in 2019 world cup in dramatic fashion on Friday at Harare Sports Club; beating Ireland by 5 wickets as they chased a meager total of 210.
Skipper Asghar Stanikzai finished the game in style as he scored a swashbuckling 39 runs at a strike-rate of 134.48
Stanikzai had an appendix operation, three weeks ago and was advised rest from the doctors for a span of six months but even then he came back in immense pain for his country to get them over the line.
Certainly one of the most heroic acts in cricket history. Stanikzai’s presence gave his side a calm and organized structure. After losing 3 games on the trot. Afghanistan needed a miracle to qualify for the super six stages. That miracle came as Nepal defeated Hong Kong and Afghanistan qualified courtesy a better net run-rate.
In the Super Sixes Afghanistan again got off to a stuttering start. Losing to the likes of Zimbabwe and Scotland as 19 year old Rashid Khan lead the side in absence of Stanikzai.
But since the comeback of the skipper Afghanistan won two crucial games against the U.A.E and Ireland which turned out to book them a place in the world cup finals.
They again needed a miracle, a favor from U.A.E to beat Test-Nation Zimbabwe. U.A.E who had not tasted victory even once caused the biggest upset of the Qualifier Tournament and gave Afghanistan a chance to qualify .This meant that the fate was now in their own hands; win against Ireland and they will achieve their dream of playing the World Cup.
A jubilated Asghar Stanikzai stated:
“I am in too much pain but I was playing for the country. It is our dream to qualify for the World Cup. Afghanistan team played bad in first half but they played well and they believed in themselves.”
Afghanistan will now take on West Indies in the quest to win the World Cup Qualifier Trophy.
