Greenhorn Afghans target ‘weak’ Indian bowling

It is not easy to be a cricketer in Afghanistan, considered the most dangerous place in the world. The reason for this goes beyond the tension and political uncertainty in the strife-torn country though.

There is no infrastructure, not many grounds, no turf wickets, no proper coaching. It is a miracle that the country’s main sport is cricket. It is also a miracle that Afghanistan have qualified for the World Twenty20.

But a bunch of youngsters, training under Kabir Khan, wants to prove that it is not a miracle. On Saturday, they will take on India, one of the strongest teams in the world, but the newcomers are unfazed.

“We are in the West Indies not for sightseeing. We’re here to prove a point,” says the coach, who guided the team’s rapid strides in the world cricket.

On Wednesday, the Afghans beat Ireland, no mugs to the tournament, in a friendly game. They have now set sights on India and South Africa, their group C opponents.

“Playing India is a big moment for us. But we’re not overawed by the occasion. We can attack the Indian bowling. That’s their weak-link,” the former Pakistan international told DNA from Guyana.

With their achievements, the team has inspired the whole nation, which is set to be glued to the television sets on Saturday night. Country’s president Hamid Karzai is expected to cancel all his engagements. “He had watched the match between India and Afghanistan in the Junior World Cup. I’m sure he will be very interested to know about our progress,” Kabir said.

According to the coach, the troubles in the country has not affected the game which is rising in the popularity charts. “I can admit that there are problems in the country but that is in no way affecting the game. The people back home are getting to watch cricket. The IPL was closely followed,” Kabir revealed.

Talking of IPL, Kabir said the players are aware that a good showing in the West Indies could open floodgates for them to play in different countries. “They know that they can get to play in the IPL, county cricket or in domestic tournaments in Australia or South Africa. There are a lot of incentives. They are keen to do well.”

Coming to the match, MS Dhoni will have to bother about Mohammad Nabi and Asghar Stanikzai, two of the biggest hitters in the side. Dawalat Ahmadzai is a fast bowler, who can be quite dangerous for the Indians, followed by skipper Nowroz Mangal and Mohammand Nabi, the two spinners in the side. On Wednesday, they came back from nowhere to beat Ireland in a warm-up game.

The Afghans have already earned the respect of the Indian team. “If you ask me, I would not consider our opening match as a practice game. I don’t take my opponents lightly. At the end of the day you have to win against whichever team you play,” said India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Evidently, Dhoni has followed the progress of the Afghans who had scored 494 for four in a fourth innings to beat Canada recently in an Inter-Continental Cup match.