Afghanistan sweep WCSL points against Ireland

Afghanistan have started their qualification campaign for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Ireland in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series in Abu Dhabi.

Afghanistan are now in fourth position in the points table, tied with Bangladesh and England on 30 points but behind both on net run rate. Ireland remain on 10 points for their solitary win in two series, during their opening series against England.

Australia, who are one of only two sides to play two series so far with the other being England, lead with 40 points in the Super League, which was introduced last year to add context to ODI cricket. Pakistan are on 20 points with two wins while Zimbabwe and India have won one match each.

All sides play four home and four away three-match series with seven teams getting direct qualifying spots to join hosts India at the 2023 event.

The tournament features the 12 ICC Full Members and the Netherlands, who qualified by winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Teams get 10 points for a win, five for an abandonment/tie/no result and none for a loss while points may be deducted for slow over rates in matches. Sides are ranked according to total points earned and those failing to qualify directly will get a second shot through a Qualifier to be played in June and July of 2023.

Afghanistan thrash Ireland

After Ireland won the toss and elected to field first, the Afghans posted a competitive score of 266 for the loss of nine wickets in their 50 overs. Asghar Afghan and Co were reduced to 66 for four after which the captain and Mohammad Nabi started the resurrection work. Rashid Khan also played a handy knock of 48 runs off 40 balls while batting lower down the batting order.

In reply, Ireland only had Paul Stirling as their prolific scorer. The right-hander scored 118 runs off 119 balls with the help of nine fours and six sixes. But once Mujeeb Ur Rahman got rid of him, the Irishmen crumbled like a pack of cards. In the end, Ireland were bowled out for 230 in 47.1 overs.