Afghanistan vs. Scotland: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Cricket World Cup Preview

Scotland and Afghanistan have both lost two matches from two in Pool A at the World Cup so far, but the pair meet in Dunedin on Thursday for a crucial encounter between the Associate Nations.

There are four Associates at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with Ireland looking the most likely to make the knockout rounds, while the UAE are struggling in Pool B.

However, all four have produced valiant displays thus far, and Thursday's clash gives Scotland and Afghanistan their best possible chance of claiming a win at the World Cup. But who will emerge victorious?

Read on for full scheduling details and a preview ahead of the match at the University Oval, as well as complete television and live streaming information.

Date: Thursday, February 26

Time: 11 a.m. local time, 10 p.m. GMT (day before)

TV Info: Sky Sports 2

Live Stream: Sky Go

Preview

Martin Hunter/Getty Images

The next World Cup is set to involve just 10 teams, a reduction on the current 14-team format and a crushing blow for the Associate teams who will struggle to qualify ahead of the ICC's current 10 full members.

Scotland and Afghanistan have both already proven that they can add hugely to cricket's showpiece event.

The Scots ran co-hosts New Zealand close in their opener—they lost by just three wickets—and put on a valiant display against England despite a 119-run loss, per cricket writer Elizabeth Ammon:

Sri Lanka only narrowly beat Afghanistan on Sunday with 10 balls remaining—a contrast to the day's other match between heavyweights India and South Africa per cricket writer Peter Miller—following the World Cup debutant's strong bowling performance in a 105-run defeat to Bangladesh:

The decision of the ICC to effectively exclude a significant number of Associate teams from the next World Cup seems baffling, but it is, at present, set to be a reality.

Thus, Thursday's match between Afghanistan and Scotland perhaps presents both teams with their best opportunity to win a World Cup match for some time, a factor likely to add a significant tension to an already hotly-anticipated clash.

As Scotland's Kyle Coetzer notes, playing Afghanistan is always a huge occasion; the most recent meeting between the two saw a convincing win for the Saltires, per Cricket Scotland (h/t Sporting Life):

"

It is always a big grudge match for us. We got the better of them last time we played, when we knocked them over for 60 or so. We have fond memories of that, and we know we have a strong chance of beating Afghanistan.

"

Indeed, in January's tri-series in Abu Dhabi, the Scots picked up a massive 150-run win after they bowled out Afghanistan for just 63. However, in the same series, the Afghan's picked up their own eight-wicket victory in Dubai.

The two teams are very well matched, but Afghanistan's batting continues to be a problem for them as they remain unable to consistently post decent ODI scores.

On the other hand, they have arguably the best bowling attack of the Associate Nations at the World Cup, with the likes of Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam and Hamid Hassan set to cause Scotland problems.

Opening batsman Coetzer will play a key role for Scotland in getting them off to a decent start, fresh from his impressive 71 against England.

Meanwhile, Josh Davey has been starring with the ball, picking up seven wickets so far, and he is closing in on a national record, per The Herald's Jonathan Coates:

Scotland's last three opponents in the World Cup group stages are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia; while Afghanistan are set to face the Aussies also, as well as England and New Zealand.

Realistically, both teams are underdogs for each of those encounters, but in Dunedin, they face off on a relatively even keel.

A chance for two Associate Nations to show why they are valuable to the World Cup, it should be a terrific occasion on Thursday and the best opportunity for either side to claim a hugely significant win.