Just two months ago, the movie Slumdog Millionaire was being hailed as the story of optimism. It was claimed that the movie brought with it hope, optimism and cheer in the times of recession. It was also referred to as "Rags to Riches" story. That was all in reel life and people would have been wondering, is this kind of story ever possible in real life.
Today I can definitely say that it happens in real life too. Fairy tales do come alive. You need the will to bring them alive. Afghanistan more known as a war ravaged country and known less for its cricket prowess, started from WCL Division 5 (rags) and has ended today in WCL Division 1 (riches) in less than a years time. Theirs is indeed a story of optimism. The story of Afghanistan's progress in the cricket gives hope, optimism and cheer too all the ICC Associates and Affiliates that dream of being in the top league.
When the World Cricket league was first introduced by ICC in 2007, it was believed by ICC that it will ensure that the qualifying pathway for the ICC Cricket World Cup is open to the majority of the 94 ICC Associate and Affiliate members. Afghanistan's progress is a testimony to ICC's belief and serves as a good example for others. Being a war-torn country, it obviously faced many disadvantages, such as a lack of facilities, etc. but the dedication of the players and authorities made them achieve what looked impossible just a year ago.
When Afghanistan began their campaign in WCL Division 5 last year on May 23 against Japan, no one expected them to get this far. Even the Afghans themselves would have not expected it. Finishing second in their group, later defeating Nepal in semi-final to reach the final and then finally clinching the trophy defeating the host Jersey, they saw themselves climbing the ladder of WCL reaching Division 4.
WCL Division 4 was relatively easy for them where they remained undefeated and clinched the title and another promotion defeating Hong Kong. WCL Division 3 was the real test for them. A place in final here would not just mean a promotion but also a place in the World Cup Qualifier. Their campaign began with a setback. They were defeated by Uganda in their very first game. Then they came back firing all cylinders to clinch the next three games. Their dream run was about to end when they received a scare from Cayman Islands in their final league game. They were at the verge of defeat at the hands of Cayman Islands. They had set Cayman Islands a target of 63 in 20 overs. Cayman Islands were cruising to the victory scoring 35 in just 7 overs. At this stage only a divine intervention could have averted Afghanistan's defeat. As it is always said that fortune favors the brave, heavy showers led to the abandonment of the match and the match was replayed the next day. Afghanistan made sure that they use this opportunity and won the game very comfortably, finishing top of the table. This meant that they have won another title, a promotion and a chance to play the World Cup Qualifiers.
Afghanistan must have known coming to the world cup qualifiers that with Top 10 Associates in the fray, it will not be a cake walk to qualify for the world cup in 2011. Thus their realistic aim would have been to end up in top 6, which would not just earn them an ODI status bit also to play them InterContinental Cup (The 4 day version of the game). They began their campaign very well beating Denmark by 5 wickets. Then they defeated Bermuda (one of the top 6 Associates) by 60 runs. Then they suffered a heavy defeat against Kenya. In their fourth game they gave a close fight to Holland but went down. The next game against UAE was also a close one which again went the other way for the Afghans. This meant that though they were able to cross the first barrier but they were in the Super Eights without a point.
At this point of time with 4 games to go and top associates to play against, the only realistic target was to secure an ODI status. Afghans began their Super Eights campaign with a bang, defeating the tournament favorite and top Associate Ireland. But the very next match they suffered defeat against Canada, which in my opinion they could have really won. Then they added to the misery of Scotland, the defending champion, defeating them by 42 runs. Now with just one game to go, Afghanistan which began the Super Eights with zero points and hoped that it just manages to secure an ODI status was in the running for a spot in the World Cup 2011. It had to win its match against Namibia convincingly and hope that two of the three (Canada, Holland and Kenya) lost their games. But none of the two happened. Afghanistan did win against Namibia but that was not convincing enough to boost their NRR. Also Holland and Kenya both won their final games, shutting any opportunity whatsoever Afghanistan had. But Afghanistan had already achieved what they wanted to - ODI status for the next 4 years. This will give them an opportunity to play against the full members and learn from them.
Afghanistan finished 6th in the Super Eights table and had to play against Scotland for the fifth place playoff. Afghanistan completed their journey defeating Scotland again convincingly and finishing fifth in the tournament.
Today I can definitely say that it happens in real life too. Fairy tales do come alive. You need the will to bring them alive. Afghanistan more known as a war ravaged country and known less for its cricket prowess, started from WCL Division 5 (rags) and has ended today in WCL Division 1 (riches) in less than a years time. Theirs is indeed a story of optimism. The story of Afghanistan's progress in the cricket gives hope, optimism and cheer too all the ICC Associates and Affiliates that dream of being in the top league.
When the World Cricket league was first introduced by ICC in 2007, it was believed by ICC that it will ensure that the qualifying pathway for the ICC Cricket World Cup is open to the majority of the 94 ICC Associate and Affiliate members. Afghanistan's progress is a testimony to ICC's belief and serves as a good example for others. Being a war-torn country, it obviously faced many disadvantages, such as a lack of facilities, etc. but the dedication of the players and authorities made them achieve what looked impossible just a year ago.
When Afghanistan began their campaign in WCL Division 5 last year on May 23 against Japan, no one expected them to get this far. Even the Afghans themselves would have not expected it. Finishing second in their group, later defeating Nepal in semi-final to reach the final and then finally clinching the trophy defeating the host Jersey, they saw themselves climbing the ladder of WCL reaching Division 4.
WCL Division 4 was relatively easy for them where they remained undefeated and clinched the title and another promotion defeating Hong Kong. WCL Division 3 was the real test for them. A place in final here would not just mean a promotion but also a place in the World Cup Qualifier. Their campaign began with a setback. They were defeated by Uganda in their very first game. Then they came back firing all cylinders to clinch the next three games. Their dream run was about to end when they received a scare from Cayman Islands in their final league game. They were at the verge of defeat at the hands of Cayman Islands. They had set Cayman Islands a target of 63 in 20 overs. Cayman Islands were cruising to the victory scoring 35 in just 7 overs. At this stage only a divine intervention could have averted Afghanistan's defeat. As it is always said that fortune favors the brave, heavy showers led to the abandonment of the match and the match was replayed the next day. Afghanistan made sure that they use this opportunity and won the game very comfortably, finishing top of the table. This meant that they have won another title, a promotion and a chance to play the World Cup Qualifiers.
Afghanistan must have known coming to the world cup qualifiers that with Top 10 Associates in the fray, it will not be a cake walk to qualify for the world cup in 2011. Thus their realistic aim would have been to end up in top 6, which would not just earn them an ODI status bit also to play them InterContinental Cup (The 4 day version of the game). They began their campaign very well beating Denmark by 5 wickets. Then they defeated Bermuda (one of the top 6 Associates) by 60 runs. Then they suffered a heavy defeat against Kenya. In their fourth game they gave a close fight to Holland but went down. The next game against UAE was also a close one which again went the other way for the Afghans. This meant that though they were able to cross the first barrier but they were in the Super Eights without a point.
At this point of time with 4 games to go and top associates to play against, the only realistic target was to secure an ODI status. Afghans began their Super Eights campaign with a bang, defeating the tournament favorite and top Associate Ireland. But the very next match they suffered defeat against Canada, which in my opinion they could have really won. Then they added to the misery of Scotland, the defending champion, defeating them by 42 runs. Now with just one game to go, Afghanistan which began the Super Eights with zero points and hoped that it just manages to secure an ODI status was in the running for a spot in the World Cup 2011. It had to win its match against Namibia convincingly and hope that two of the three (Canada, Holland and Kenya) lost their games. But none of the two happened. Afghanistan did win against Namibia but that was not convincing enough to boost their NRR. Also Holland and Kenya both won their final games, shutting any opportunity whatsoever Afghanistan had. But Afghanistan had already achieved what they wanted to - ODI status for the next 4 years. This will give them an opportunity to play against the full members and learn from them.
Afghanistan finished 6th in the Super Eights table and had to play against Scotland for the fifth place playoff. Afghanistan completed their journey defeating Scotland again convincingly and finishing fifth in the tournament.
The rise of Afghanistan over the one year reinforces the fact that there is indeed a hope and optimism beyond the test world. One has to believe in their ability and consistently deliver. I hope that Afghanistan, now reaching the top level performs well consistently and prove to the rest of the world that it is not just a soap bubble but is here to stay much longer.
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