Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Afghanistan can still go through to WC 2011...

Yes, it's very unlikely, and will take nothing short of a miracle. But it's possible, and that's what counts.

Here's how:

- Afghanistan beats Namibia...(likely)

- Scotland beats UAE...(very unlikely)

- Canada beats Netherlands convincingly...(somewhat unlikely)

- Ireland beats Kenya...(possible)

(Note: the "convincingly" can apply to either of the last two matches, but it needs to be more convincing for the Ireland vs Kenya match.)

Given that Kenya, UAE, and Netherlands have so much to play for, it is unlikely that all three of them will lose, especially since Ireland are already through, and Canada are virtually through). In addition, one of Netherlands and Kenya has to lose convincingly.

In any case, Afghanistan will probably beat Namibia and end up as an official ODI team. Which means they can tour Pakistan! :) They have much to be proud about - well done Afghanistan!

But I still have some hope of seeing them in the 2011 World Cup! It ain't over till Levero...I mean that fat lady sings!

Make your pitch on this post...



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8 Pitched:

  1. Anonymous said...
     

    Q it would be great if Ireland and Canada beats NL/Kenya with a few runs and Afghanistan/UAE win their with a couple of runs.

    to asian teams for wc :)

  2. SledgeHammer said...
     

    @anon: that's also a possibility, but Afghanistan has to win really big to make up some of the NRR difference.

    And one thing I forgot to note in the original post: Scotland should not win too convincingly over UAE.

  3. Q said...
     

    Anon, that was Sledge :-)

    And wat u said wud definitely be great!

  4. Q said...
     

    Sledge, even what Afganistan have done now is a huge achievement.. they started from division 5 and won the division 5,4,3, and 2 tournaments.. thats HUGE!

  5. SledgeHammer said...
     

    I agree. But I'm just getting a bit greedy! :)

    ODI status would be awesome though. Would make Asia Cup more interesting.

  6. Q said...
     

    I know Sledge.. I'm greedy too.. The ODI status will grant us what u mentioned before - a Pakistan vs Afghanistan game in Peshawar ;-)

  7. David Barry said...
     

    This must be in UAE territory! I know the Scots have been disappointing, but I haven't quite got my head around the Emiratis being a strong minnow again, so I am expecting Scotland to win that game.

    This is an incredibly tight tournament, and it is good to have eight Associate sides so closely matched. Previously it looked like five strong minnows and a huge dropoff (ie, Bermuda and teams worse than them) after that.

  8. Q said...
     

    DB, UAE have beaten Netherlands, Afghanistan, and Canada - 3 of the stronger minnows in this competition :-)

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