World Cup Qualifers Reach Final 8 Stage
UAE played Afghanistan today in what was the main event of the World Cup Qualifiers for me.
I was backing Afghanistan all the way as UAE had already won all but one of its matches. An Afghan win would have improved their chances of securing a World Cup place.
After the loss to the UAE though, its looking tough for the Afghans.
They have qualified for the Super Eights along with Kenya, Netherlands, and UAE - all 3 of whom have 4 wins from 5 matches but are ranked in that order on the basis of net run rate.
But a Super Eight berth, where they go up against stronger opposition in Scotland, Ireland, and Canada, does not guarantee a World Cup place.
Only the top 4 are going to qualify.
On current form that looks like Ireland, the only team that is unbeaten in the competition, and any 3 of Canada, Kenya, Netherlands, and the UAE.
There were no surprises in the final round of matches of the group stages, besides Oman winning their first match of the tournament.
They beat Uganda, who also managed only 1 win in 5 matches, by a single wicket in what turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the Qualifiers thus far - it produced the highest run chase of the tournament.
I was backing Afghanistan all the way as UAE had already won all but one of its matches. An Afghan win would have improved their chances of securing a World Cup place.
After the loss to the UAE though, its looking tough for the Afghans.
They have qualified for the Super Eights along with Kenya, Netherlands, and UAE - all 3 of whom have 4 wins from 5 matches but are ranked in that order on the basis of net run rate.
But a Super Eight berth, where they go up against stronger opposition in Scotland, Ireland, and Canada, does not guarantee a World Cup place.
Only the top 4 are going to qualify.
On current form that looks like Ireland, the only team that is unbeaten in the competition, and any 3 of Canada, Kenya, Netherlands, and the UAE.
There were no surprises in the final round of matches of the group stages, besides Oman winning their first match of the tournament.
They beat Uganda, who also managed only 1 win in 5 matches, by a single wicket in what turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the Qualifiers thus far - it produced the highest run chase of the tournament.
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Yes I am so disappointed that Afghanistan may not make it to the 2011 World Cup.
We, at APU gave a preview of these World Cup qualifiers and highlighted the fairy tale story of Afghanistan in reaching thus far. And we were hoping that this story would continue.
Unfortunately, this hasnt been the case so far.
But still, a round of applause for them for making it to this stage. Incredible effort indeed.
Yes Vyom, it is a disappointment but don't rule out a miracle.. Afghanistan can still beat Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and Namibia and still qualify.. near impossible though..