Where there’s a hill, there’s a way…The Rise of Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s bowler Shapoor Zadran, left, reacts after taking the wicket of Gautam Gambhir, right, during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday. India beat Afghanistan by 23 runs. AP

KOLKATA, India (Diya TV) Beleaguered with continuous strife, one country that we didn’t expect to rise to the top has been Afghanistan. Their progress through the group stage of the T20 World Cup and just the sheer competency they’ve displayed is the stuff grit is made off. They made short order of Zimbabwe on Saturday, a team that’s unfortunately seen a reversal of fortunes since they were always a competent contender in all world cups (remember Henry Olonga’s ripping through the dominant Indian batting line up in 1998 and then again in 1999?).

Afghanistan was amongst the first teams to qualify from the Group stage into the top 10 while Bangladesh and Oman are fighting for the 2nd spot on Sunday morning. This sets Afghanistan squarely against England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies, all match-ups that will test their depths and consistency to play at the highest level.

Afghanistan team mates celebrate the wicket of Virender Sehwag, right. AP

Afghanistan’s chances are highest against a younger Sri Lanka side which has not clicked together as a unit yet. If Afghanistan can bat well at the top of the order with Shenwari and Nabi (both names that you would have heard before) playing the bulk of the last 7-10 overs, most games will be close especially with them chasing scores down. Bowling will depend on consistency at the top and their ability to take wickets despite a sub-par fielding outfit. Having depth in competent spin bowling is always a big plus on the subcontinent, and they have the assets. Now here’s hoping that they can trigger as a unit in the pressure cooker.
The world is watching! Follow all the action on Twitter using #WT20.