Afghanistan and Hong Kong keep perfect records

Afghanistan's push towards a place at the 2011 World Cup continued on Sunday when they thrashed Jersey by 124 runs to make it two wins in two matches in the World Cricket League Division Four.

Batting first, Afghanistan made 203 for 9 in 50 overs and then bowled out Jersey for 79, a performance which delighted their coach, Kabir Khan.

"Everybody is very happy as we have taken one step closer to the final and the team has played very well," he said.

"Bowling wise, I am really happy and our fielding was excellent again today. We do need to work on our batting but I was not worried because I knew 200 runs would be a winning score on this wicket."

The top two sides in the six-nation tournament here will ensure spots in Division Three with the leading two nations there progressing to the final World Cup Qualifier in April 2009.

Left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took 4 for 19 as Hong Kong also maintained their unbeaten record as they defeated hosts Tanzania by 134 runs after the home team were bowled out for 121 chasing 256.

Hong Kong's batsmen rattled up 255 with man of the match Moner Ahmed top scoring with 66 while skipper Tabarak Dar chipped in with 60. Italy's opener Andy Northcote enjoyed an eventful day in his side's 254-run thrashing of Fiji.

Twenty-five year-old Northcote, who shared an opening stand of added 140 with Thushara Kurukulasuriya (73), was five runs short of century when he collapsed with heat exhaustion. He bravely carried on to reach the three figures but retired soon after.

Italy reached 318 for 5 and then dismissed Fiji for 64.

Source: www.cricbuzz.com

Afghanistan eye step closer to World Cup

Players from war-torn Afghanistan hope to take another step closer to the 2011 World Cup when they tackle five other contenders in the latest qualifying round which starts here on Saturday. Afghanistan will compete against Hong Kong, Jersey, Fiji, Italy and hosts Tanzania for the top two places in the ICC World Cricket League Division Four which will ensure spots in Division Three. The top two sides there will progress to the World Cup Qualifier in April 2009, with the top four sides from that making it to Asia in 2011. "It's our dream to qualify for the 2011 World Cup," said Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan. "I couldn't explain the feelings of happiness and joy if we get to achieve that. It will be a matter of pride for us to be watched live by the whole world on TV while representing Afghanistan." Afghanistan, who won promotion from the fifth division earlier this year, have a new coach in former Pakistan international Kabir Khan. Despite Afghanistan's optimism, it will be Hong Kong, coached by former England batsman Aftab Habib, who will start as favourites but Italy and Jersey, coached by former South Africa Test batsman Peter Kirsten, are also strong. Fiji will be hopeful of qualification despite missing injured all-rounder Neil Maxwell, a former Australia A player.

Source: www.cricinfo.com