Feb.21 (CRICKETNMORE) - Afghanistan will be banking on their Rashid Khan-led spin attack to do wonders while Zimbabwe will be looking to take advantage of home conditions when they turn out in next month’s ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The two sides were involved in an ODI series earlier this month wherein Afghanistan completed a 4-1 series win in Sharjah on Monday. The Afghanistan spinners once again coming to the fore and sent out a warning signal to others in the upcoming competition.
“We feel very proud to be playing in the qualifying round and will hopefully qualify for the World Cup. We have confidence in our spin attack. It is important for the whole nation that we qualify for the World Cup because that is the only thing that gets them happiness,” Afghanistan Cricketer Mohammad Nabi said.
Zimbabwe Captain Graeme
Cremer acknowledged that the tournament would not be easy but opined that the home conditions could give them the edge.
“It’s very, very special for us to have such a big tournament in our country. It will be a tough tournament, the associate teams have come a long way, but hopefully being in our home conditions, we will qualify. With the home crowd behind us, we are confident about our chances. It will be very special for me to captain the side and take the team through to the World Cup,” he said.
Squads:
Afghanistan: Asghar Stanikzai (captain), Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Ihsanullah Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Nasir Jamal, Javed Ahmadi, Mujeeb Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Samiullah Shinwari, Shahpoor Zadran and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Phil Simmons (coach)
Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller. Heath Streak (coach)
ICC Media Release