Afghanistan cricket is in the right sphere to dominate the world cricket
Afghanistan cricket team pulled off a stunning 185-run victory against Pakistan to clinch the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (November 19).
Afghanistan posted 248 for 7, courtesy Ikram Ali’s unbeaten 107.
In response, Pakistan managed to score just 63 in 22.1 overs, Mujeeb Zadran recorded brilliant figures of 5 for 13, in a crunch final. Off-spinning sensation, Mujeeb had taken 6 for 23 in the league match between the sides, which too Afghanistan had won, by seven wickets.
Mujeeb, who finished the tournament with 20 wickets from five matches, removed Mohammad Arif (4) and Omair Yousuf (0), the openers, early in the chase, giving Afghanistan control over proceedings after Ikram had helped it rack up the runs.
The early wobble triggered panic in the Pakistan camp, and the Afghanistan bowlers took full advantage of the situation,handing a dominating victory of 185 runs over Pakistan.
Congratulations @ACBofficials for emerging as champions of ACC Youth Asia Cup. Indeed , our young colts showed that our future in cricket is bright. pic.twitter.com/FxeQ2KM9ap
This is quite a feat given that it was only twenty years ago that Afghanistan formed a Cricket Federation (now known as the Afghanistan Cricket Board) — a majority of that time the country has seen the toppling of the Taliban government and the insurgency that has followed.
In 2008, Afghanistan cricket began its cricketing journey on the world stage by entering the World Cricket League Division 5. In 2010, the country played in its first major international tournament, the World Twenty20.
Two years later, Afghanistan was ranked as the top Associate nation with an ICC world ranking of 11 and went, along with Ireland, knocking on the ICC’s door with their quest for a Test status. They finally achieved it in 2017 alongside Ireland.
Cricket has in fact provided a rare form of unity for a deeply divided Afghanistan. It is supported by the Taliban, who have been known to issue messages of support to the national team. When Afghanistan took on Pakistan in an ODI in 2012, the country’s then-finance minister, Dr Omar Zakhilwal, very aptly said, “Nothing has ever brought us together like this.”
Cricket Facilities in Afghanistan are really poor
Afghanistan’s Youth Asia cup triumph has made clear that juniors have got their cricket basics right. They are eager to follow their role models like Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. A strong junior outfit is clear indication of a very good future for Afghanistani cricket.
Young talents are always beneficial because they are the ones who get to play for the Senior team later. India has won this trophy two times and once shared it with Pakistan, as a result they are a dominating force in Asia to reckon.
Now with Afghanistan’s victory the future seems to be in great hands and they can form a world beating team in coming years.Though nurturing of the young talents is a mandatory aspect, forming cricket academies for them will be a great asset for their future. This will keep the young talents in queue for being the best prospects to play for the senior national team.
Cricket in Afghanistan is rapidly growing sports amongst the youngsters,despite poor conditions. The Asian country is growing their domination in world cricket and has never did anything wrong since their debut. However this victory will surely act as a catalyst that will fasten up their speed of growth.
Afghanistan is in right sphere to dominate world cricket across all three formats with Dean Jones,the former Australian cricketer serving as their head coach.
