Afghanistan cricket team practices unique fielding drills

The Afghan cricket team has made a rapid stride in international cricket ever since their foray. It was only in 2013 Afghanistan became an Associate member. And within four years, they have become a full member, earning their Test status last year. What comes as a remarkable feat is that they did all this without proper infrastructure.

The Afghanistan cricket team do not have hi-tech mediums to analyze their mistakes but they certainly seem to be street-smart. The war-ravaged country has very little to provide for its cricketers at the basic level. However, it did not stop them from making unprecedented progress in the game.

The latest example of their street-smartness was witnessed during their practice session ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2019 Qualifier. With limited resource, they seem to have come up with a unique and innovative yet simple way to improve their fielding skills. The video perhaps makes it clear how the Afghans have excelled so well despite the lack of proper infrastructure. It shows a clip of players practicing close-in fielding with the help of tyres.

In their latest practice video, Afghanistan cricket team were seen practicing for close fielding for spin-bowling. At one end, a spinner was bowling and in place of a batsman, they place three tyres, through which the ball can distract to any direction and close-in fielders ready to pouch it.

Afghanistan looking strong to qualify for T20 World Cup

Afghanistan is among the fastest growing associate team in international cricket. Recently, they defeated the mighty West Indies in the warm-up match of ICC ODI World Cup 2019 Qualifier at Harare. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 163-9 after the match was reduced to 35-overs per side.

As per the DLS method, the target for West Indies was reduced for 140 in 35 overs, which the Caribbeans failed to chase and were bowled out for only 11; courtesy pacer Dawlat Zadran’s hat-trick. And looking at the way they are currently playing, Afghanistan is expected to qualify for coming World Cup.

.@ACBofficials' innovative way of fielding practise.

Video courtesy: Johnson Cricket Team Group pic.twitter.com/DqCiRFPMUR

— Abhishek Kumar (@abhik2593) February 28, 2018