ICC World Cup Qualifiers, 2018: Possible scenarios for Afghanistan to qualify for the Super Sixes

There were a lot of expectations from the Afghanistan team coming to the World Cup Qualifiers even more than West Indies with the likes of Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis. Over the last couple of years, the Afghanistan team kept dominating fellow associate nations and some lower ranked full-member nations. Rashid Khan was key to the team’s success as his performances put him on the top of the ICC Bowlers rankings for ODI and T20I formats.

However, the tables turned upside down for the Afghans as they suffered three consecutive losses in the league stage. They are now on the verge of getting knocked out without making it to the Super Sixes round let alone qualifying for the 2019 World Cup. Rashid Khan became the youngest captain in International cricket history by leading Afghanistan in the absence of their skipper Asghar Stanikzai. However, the 19-year-old failed to replicate his magic with the ball as his team struggled big time.

Scotland chased down 256 with seven wickets hand in Afghans first game of the tournament while Zimbabwe sneaked in a 2-run win from the jaws of defeat. The big blow for Afghanistan was when Hong Kong defeated them by 30 runs in the game affected by the rain. With three wins in the three games played, Scotland qualified to the next round while Zimbabwe are also close to the same with two wins in two matches. With the win against Afghans, Hong Kong are close to making to the Super Sixes from Group B.

Scenarios for Afghanistan:

The three defeats don’t mean it is the end of the road for Afghanistan as they still have to play against Nepal. Hong Kong, on the other hand, will be facing Zimbabwe and Nepal. The Afghan till be hoping Hong Kong to lose against both Zimbabwe and Nepal and them defeating Nepal at the same time. Despite the three losses, Afghanistan’s NRR is -0.312 which is way ahead of Hong Kong’s -0.838 and Nepal’s -1.695.

Losing by a small margin might save Afghanistan if the results of Hong Kong matches go their favour. The hosts Zimbabwe are in a good form are expected to defeat Hong Kong convincingly. Same might not be expected from Nepal as they received thumping against Zimbabwe and Scotland. If Nepal can come over Hong Kong in their final match, even they can stand a chance of making it to the Super Sixes based on the NRR.