Afghanistan Qualify for WorldTwenty20, Defeat Ireland To Lift the Cup

In what was a remarkable performance against a solid foe, Afghanistan defeated Ireland to lift the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier Cup and thus enter into WorldTwenty20 that begins in the Caribbean in May. 

Afghanistan started the tournament with back to back triumphs against Ireland and Scotland, but days later they faced their first defeat against the Netherlands. Kabir Khan, the Coach, and Nowroz Mangal the impressive captain were able to rally their troops and convincingly defeat the unbeaten UAE in the Semi-finals.

By virtue of reaching the finals, Afghanistan secured a place for themselves in the ICC World Twenty20–the other open slot going to Ireland. But the revived Afghanistan did not stop there.

They put up a clinical performance against Ireland in the final of the tournament to lift the Qualifier Cup and further boost their confidence ahead of what will be the largest sporting event for team and the nation that has suffered so much.

Winning the toss, the Irish captain William Porterfield decided to bat first. Their top three batsman contributed with 20s, but Afghanistan continuously made breakthroughs.

Despite the fact that none of the Irish batsmen went on to score a half century, Ireland posted a decent score of 142 for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. AR Cusack top scored with a 28. For Afghanistan, captain Nowroz Mangal, bowling his off-breaks, too 3 for 23 from his 4 overs.

Afghanistan began their chase with a decent opening partnership. Noor Ali and Karim Sadiq put up 37 before Ali was out for 16. Coming in at No.3, wicketkeeper Shahzad played a mature innings to bring Afghanistan home. He scored 65 of 46 balls, with 6 fours and 1 six.

Karim Sadiq kept him company with a brisk 34, but he was fell when 59 runs were still needed. Captain Nowroz Mangal came in at number four and played a supporting role to Shahzad, making sure his team achieved the target comfortably. Much to the jubilation of the decent Afghan crowd at the Dubai Stadium,  Shahzad completed the chase hitting a beautiful Six over point, with 2.3 overs to spare.

The consistency of the Afghan Team over the past two years or so has been remarkable. There are three factors to be noted for this consistency. The first is the development of a core group of players and sticking to them and keeping faith in them.  Undoubtedly, the former Coach and current Assistant Coach and mentor Taj Malok is to be credited with the development of this core group.

The second factor is the calm, calculated, and dignified leadership of captain Nowroz Mangal. For a nation where leaders at the realm of the country have changed more often than seasons of the year, it is absolutely heartening to see the administration's continuous faith in Nowroz Mangal's leadership. 

Mangal has paid back this faith with consistent perosnal performance and tremendous team results, lofting the black-red-and green banner high into the cricketing skies.

A third, and absolutely vital factor in the consistency of the team has been the professionalism that Head Coach Kabir Khan has brought along with him.

For a team that purely ran on raw talent and passion, a touch of professionalism and technical coaching was crucial for their progress. Mr. Khan, being a former Pakistan international who played alongside the greats like Wasim Akram, brings experience of playing at the highest level.

Furthermore, by being a Pathan, he brings the advantage of speaking Pushtu, one of the two official languages of Afghanistan. Undoubtedly, he has an easier time getting through to the Afghan players than another foreign coach would.

The rise of the Afghan team and their consistency, despite the lack of a cricketing infrastructure, has impressed many in the world. More importantly, they have brought tremendous joy and pride to a country that still struggles with the debris of war and conflict. Surely, black, red, and green banners will be flying high when the Afghans take the field in the Caribbean against the world's No. 1, India, and No. 2 South Africa. 

On that joyful day in May, results won't matter anymore, for the journey has been remarkably satisfying.