Cricket World Cup Team Preview: Afghanistan can cause stir
Published:Number of previous appearances: 0
Last appearance: Debut
Best finish: N/A
2014 ODI record: Played 14, Won 6, Lost 8
Pool: A
First 3 fixtures: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Scotland
Coach: Andy Moles
Squad: Afsar Zazai (wk), Aftab Alam, Asghar Stanekzai, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Javed Ahmadi, Merwais Ashraf, Mohammad Nabi (capt), Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Nawroz Mangal, Samiullah Shinwari, Shapoor Zadran, Usman Ghani.
Top runscorer: Mohammad Nabi. An adaptable number four batsman and economical off spinner, Afghanistan’s captain has been the model of consistency over recent years and was the side’s leading batsman and bowler during the ICC World Cricket League Championship that booked their debut spot at this World Cup
Pre-tournament storyline: Confidence of a credible run at this tournament should be high considering Afghanistan have featured at two World T20 tournaments, even though they’ve never battled the best at a 50-over event. Ability to adapt to conditions Down Under will be key and four wins in eight on a recent tour against state sides bodes well.
Tournament odds: 500/1
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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