It’s one of the great sporting stories right now. The emergence of Afghanistan as a major cricket team with the background of war, conflict, chaos and repression in the country is an unbelievable achievement.
There must be hardliners for whom their success is a constant affront.
5 Likes
Also , Pakistan.
Most of the Afghani cricketers spent their lives in refugee camps in Pakistan learning the basics of the game there. To leapfrog Pakistan in the shorter formats in a very short space of time with all that Pakistan had done (politically) to screw Afghanis over must be very satisfying too.
1 Like
Can’t wait for Afghanistan to beat those serial bottlers India in the final.
India will bottle it before the finals.
1 Like
Sith bottled it before a ball was bowled.
6 Likes
Rashid is a world class star. Has killed it in the Big Bash for years. If it can’t be the Aussies then I hope it’s the Afghanis.
Called it, their bowling attack on these kind of pitches is deadly. They are still a couple of quality batsman away from being capable of winning the tournament imo, but should still have more than enough to beat Bangladesh and progress.
They’ll struggle chasing down anything more than 150-160 against teams like India , England , Australia , South Africa , West Indies…
As good as them winning this match is. They likely won’t do anything further of note even if they do manage to get themselves to the semi’s.
Their winning against Bangladesh isn’t set in stone either. The subcontinent teams often do well against each other because of similar techniques,players etc.
Afghanistan is not on the subcontinent.
Parts of present day afghanistan are in the subcontinent.
Maybe parts of the team will struggle against their subcontinental rivals.
3 Likes
Maybe South Asian teams?
Parts that include Kabul , Kandahar ? And the more populated areas.
Both their major cities come under the Subcontinent Geographical Shelf.
1 Like
Off topic but Russia was always a puzzle to me. Is it part of Europe or Asia?
1 Like
Both.
For sure, but win the toss and bat first, who knows what they could end up doing. It will be a question of mentality against Bangladesh, if they do not lose their heads then they should outclass them.
Not sure how the draw will work but if England can’t make it I’d quite like to see a South Africa vs India final, battle of the bottlers.
Bairstow looks like he’s carrying some timber. Used to be rapid across the ground, now looks like he’s towing an 18 wheeler.
Surprised Jordan has been brought in for Wood, express pace against the associates is usually the way to go.
Jordan cleaning up the tail, what a time to be alive.
2 Likes
He’s already dead Jos. Brutal.
1 Like
Great performance, that lbw ball in the hat-trick was a peach.
Choke mode engaged for the proteas.
These guys can give even India lessons on being bottle jobs