The remarkable rise of Afghanistan cricket is often referred to as a cricketing fairy tale. It&#8217;s the enchanting story of the triumph of the human spirit. Ten years ago who would have even thought that a war-ridden country will rise from the ashes and emerge as a cricketing powerhouse? It&#8217;s a story that shows the importance and power of a mere sport that can transform the lives of the people.

All doubts about the rise and emergence of Afghanistan cricket were cleared in last year&#8217;s Asia Cup. They started it with a first-ever win against Sri Lanka and followed it with by trashing the Bangladesh team. They lost against Pakistan but were appreciated for their competitive effort against their neighbours. They finished their remarkable tournament with a tie against the Indians and proved that they are here to stay and there are better days to come in the future for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan managed to win the 2019 World Cup qualifiers when the odds were stacked against them and their same ability to fight until the end gives the team a chance to shine in the World Cup.

Here we look at the three reasons why they can qualify for the semi-final of the mega event:

1. Experienced trio of Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-318746" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-and-Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-318746" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

In big tournaments and in crucial matches experience plays a major role and can be the difference between the two teams in a close encounter. The Afghanistan players, especially the trio of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-lauds-mohammad-nabis-nobel-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mohammad Nabi</a>, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have been in high demand across the globe and have participated in almost all major T20 leagues.

Their experience of playing in different conditions can be really useful for the Afghanistan team. These players can share their knowledge and experience to the other players in the team and can also play an important part in making some tactical decisions for the World Cup. The likes of Nabi and Rashid are literally veterans now and it would be no surprise if the duo manages to win them a few games on their own.

2. A positive and competitive skipper in Asghar Afghan

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282986" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Asghar-Afghan-1.jpg" alt="Asghar Afghan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282986" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Asghar Afghan was handed the leadership duties in 2015 and since then he has taken his side from strength to strength and has played a key role in the transformation of Afghanistan cricket. The skipper is well respected among the players and is known for leading the team from the front. Asghar made himself quite clear when he recently said that the Afghans will be going to the World Cup not just to compete but to win the tournament.

In a team sport, especially cricket, the captain of the team always plays a major role. The past is a great example of how an average team with a great leader can make miracles happen. The best example can be of 1996 when an innovative and inspiring <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/arjuna-ranatunga-sees-little-hope-for-sri-lanka-in-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arjuna Ranatunga</a> won the World Cup and lifted the Sri Lanka team from underdogs to one of the great forces in the cricketing world. The Afghanistan people and fans will hope the same from Asghar Afghan in the coming tournament.

3. Better team balance than Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Windies

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282098" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Afghanistan-team-2.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282098" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Afghanistan team looks quite good on paper with the right mixture of youth and experience. The form of Mohammad Shahzad at the top will be crucial for them in high-scoring English conditions. The wicketkeeper-batsman can score briskly and is known for giving his team a flying start. They have some quality batsmen in Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah and the experienced Asghar Afghan.

Also, the quality all-rounders in Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-all-rounders-who-can-dethrone-rashid-khan-from-top-of-the-icc-odi-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> in the lower order they have depth in their batting line-up. They have the right blend of aggression and cautiousness in the team.

The overs from 11 to 40 mark huge importance in ODI format nowadays and it is important to keep picking wickets during this period.  With the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the mystery of Mujeeb Ur Rahman along with the miraculous Rashid Khan, they form a dangerous spin bowling trio which can change the course of the game and choke the opposition.

Though they need a genuine fast bowler in their ranks, a current lot is doing enough to keep the team in Afghanistan and the aforementioned reasons suggest that they have the ability to stun quite a few teams in the World Cup.

~ Written by Rohit Modi

The remarkable rise of Afghanistan cricket is often referred to as a cricketing fairy tale. It’s the enchanting story of the triumph of the human spirit. Ten years ago who would have even thought that a war-ridden country will rise from the ashes and emerge as a cricketing powerhouse? It’s a story that shows the importance and power of a mere sport that can transform the lives of the people.
All doubts about the rise and emergence of Afghanistan cricket were cleared in last year’s Asia Cup. They started it with a first-ever win against Sri Lanka and followed it with by trashing the Bangladesh team. They lost against Pakistan but were appreciated for their competitive effort against their neighbours. They finished their remarkable tournament with a tie against the Indians and proved that they are here to stay and there are better days to come in the future for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan managed to win the 2019 World Cup qualifiers when the odds were stacked against them and their same ability to fight until the end gives the team a chance to shine in the World Cup.
<h3>Here we look at the three reasons why they can qualify for the semi-final of the mega event:</h3>
<h3>1. Experienced trio of Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb</h3>
<figure id="attachment_318746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-318746" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-318746" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-and-Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-318746" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
In big tournaments and in crucial matches experience plays a major role and can be the difference between the two teams in a close encounter. The Afghanistan players, especially the trio of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-lauds-mohammad-nabis-nobel-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mohammad Nabi</a>, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have been in high demand across the globe and have participated in almost all major T20 leagues.
Their experience of playing in different conditions can be really useful for the Afghanistan team. These players can share their knowledge and experience to the other players in the team and can also play an important part in making some tactical decisions for the World Cup. The likes of Nabi and Rashid are literally veterans now and it would be no surprise if the duo manages to win them a few games on their own.
<h3>2. A positive and competitive skipper in Asghar Afghan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_282986" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282986" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-282986" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Asghar-Afghan-1.jpg" alt="Asghar Afghan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282986" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Asghar Afghan was handed the leadership duties in 2015 and since then he has taken his side from strength to strength and has played a key role in the transformation of Afghanistan cricket. The skipper is well respected among the players and is known for leading the team from the front. Asghar made himself quite clear when he recently said that the Afghans will be going to the World Cup not just to compete but to win the tournament.
In a team sport, especially cricket, the captain of the team always plays a major role. The past is a great example of how an average team with a great leader can make miracles happen. The best example can be of 1996 when an innovative and inspiring <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/arjuna-ranatunga-sees-little-hope-for-sri-lanka-in-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arjuna Ranatunga</a> won the World Cup and lifted the Sri Lanka team from underdogs to one of the great forces in the cricketing world. The Afghanistan people and fans will hope the same from Asghar Afghan in the coming tournament.
<h3>3. Better team balance than Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Windies</h3>
<figure id="attachment_282098" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282098" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-282098" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Afghanistan-team-2.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282098" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The Afghanistan team looks quite good on paper with the right mixture of youth and experience. The form of Mohammad Shahzad at the top will be crucial for them in high-scoring English conditions. The wicketkeeper-batsman can score briskly and is known for giving his team a flying start. They have some&nbsp;quality batsmen in Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah and the experienced Asghar Afghan.
Also, the quality all-rounders in Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-all-rounders-who-can-dethrone-rashid-khan-from-top-of-the-icc-odi-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> in the lower order they have depth in their batting line-up. They have the right blend of aggression and cautiousness in the team.
The overs from 11 to 40 mark huge importance in ODI format nowadays and it is important to keep picking wickets during this period.&nbsp; With the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the mystery of Mujeeb Ur Rahman along with the miraculous Rashid Khan, they form a dangerous spin bowling trio which can change the course of the game and choke the opposition.
Though they need a genuine fast bowler in their ranks, a current lot is doing enough to keep the team in Afghanistan and the aforementioned reasons suggest that they have the ability to stun quite a few teams in the World Cup.
~ Written by Rohit Modi

The remarkable rise of Afghanistan cricket is often referred to as a cricketing fairy tale. It&#8217;s the enchanting story of the triumph of the human spirit. Ten years ago who would have even thought that a war-ridden country will rise from the ashes and emerge as a cricketing powerhouse? It&#8217;s a story that shows the importance and power of a mere sport that can transform the lives of the people.
All doubts about the rise and emergence of Afghanistan cricket were cleared in last year&#8217;s Asia Cup. They started it with a first-ever win against Sri Lanka and followed it with by trashing the Bangladesh team. They lost against Pakistan but were appreciated for their competitive effort against their neighbours. They finished their remarkable tournament with a tie against the Indians and proved that they are here to stay and there are better days to come in the future for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan managed to win the 2019 World Cup qualifiers when the odds were stacked against them and their same ability to fight until the end gives the team a chance to shine in the World Cup.
<h3>Here we look at the three reasons why they can qualify for the semi-final of the mega event:</h3>
<h3>1. Experienced trio of Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb</h3>
<figure id="attachment_318746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-318746" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-318746" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-and-Mohammad-Nabi.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-318746" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
In big tournaments and in crucial matches experience plays a major role and can be the difference between the two teams in a close encounter. The Afghanistan players, especially the trio of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rashid-khan-lauds-mohammad-nabis-nobel-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mohammad Nabi</a>, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, have been in high demand across the globe and have participated in almost all major T20 leagues.
Their experience of playing in different conditions can be really useful for the Afghanistan team. These players can share their knowledge and experience to the other players in the team and can also play an important part in making some tactical decisions for the World Cup. The likes of Nabi and Rashid are literally veterans now and it would be no surprise if the duo manages to win them a few games on their own.
<h3>2. A positive and competitive skipper in Asghar Afghan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_282986" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282986" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282986" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Asghar-Afghan-1.jpg" alt="Asghar Afghan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282986" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Asghar Afghan was handed the leadership duties in 2015 and since then he has taken his side from strength to strength and has played a key role in the transformation of Afghanistan cricket. The skipper is well respected among the players and is known for leading the team from the front. Asghar made himself quite clear when he recently said that the Afghans will be going to the World Cup not just to compete but to win the tournament.
In a team sport, especially cricket, the captain of the team always plays a major role. The past is a great example of how an average team with a great leader can make miracles happen. The best example can be of 1996 when an innovative and inspiring <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/arjuna-ranatunga-sees-little-hope-for-sri-lanka-in-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arjuna Ranatunga</a> won the World Cup and lifted the Sri Lanka team from underdogs to one of the great forces in the cricketing world. The Afghanistan people and fans will hope the same from Asghar Afghan in the coming tournament.
<h3>3. Better team balance than Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Windies</h3>
<figure id="attachment_282098" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-282098" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-282098" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Afghanistan-team-2.jpg" alt="Afghanistan team" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-282098" class="wp-caption-text">Afghanistan team. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The Afghanistan team looks quite good on paper with the right mixture of youth and experience. The form of Mohammad Shahzad at the top will be crucial for them in high-scoring English conditions. The wicketkeeper-batsman can score briskly and is known for giving his team a flying start. They have some quality batsmen in Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah and the experienced Asghar Afghan.
Also, the quality all-rounders in Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-all-rounders-who-can-dethrone-rashid-khan-from-top-of-the-icc-odi-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> in the lower order they have depth in their batting line-up. They have the right blend of aggression and cautiousness in the team.
The overs from 11 to 40 mark huge importance in ODI format nowadays and it is important to keep picking wickets during this period.  With the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the mystery of Mujeeb Ur Rahman along with the miraculous Rashid Khan, they form a dangerous spin bowling trio which can change the course of the game and choke the opposition.
Though they need a genuine fast bowler in their ranks, a current lot is doing enough to keep the team in Afghanistan and the aforementioned reasons suggest that they have the ability to stun quite a few teams in the World Cup.
~ Written by Rohit Modi

These reasons suggest that Afghanistan have the ability to stun quite a few teams at the event.

ICC World Cup 2019: 3 Reasons why Afghanistan will reach the semi-final of the tournament

The remarkable rise of Afghanistan cricket is often referred to as a cricketing fairy tale. It's the enchanting story of the triumph of the human spirit.