Afghanistan Qualify For ICC World Twenty20 2012

Afghanistan Qualify For ICC World Twenty20 2012

©International Cricket Council

Afghanistan 146 (Viljoen 4-14, Burger 3-16) beat
Namibia 99 (Aftab Alam 4-25) by 47 runs
ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, Dubai

Afghanistan sealed themselves a berth at the ICC World Twenty20 2012 by beating Namibia by 47 runs in the 1st qualifying final in Dubai.

They produced an outstanding all-round performance, first reaching 146 all out in their 20 overs and then dismissing Namibia for 99.

It was Namibia's first defeat of the tournament although they will get another chance to reach the finals. Should they beat the winner of the match between Ireland and the Netherlands, they will qualify.

Batting first, Karim Sadiq (28) and Javed Ahmadi (24) gave Afghanistan a good start before three wickets apiece from Christoffel Viljoen and Sarel Burger saw them dismissed from the final ball of the innings.

Asghar Stanikzai hit 19 in 18 balls and Mohammad Nabi 18 in 13 balls to help keep the scoreboard moving along in among the wickets falling.

The wickets continued to tumble when Namibia came out to bat as they lost in-form openers Raymond van Schoor and Gerrie Snyman before either man could score a run.

Louis van der Westhuizen (9) and Craig Wiliams (3) also fell cheaply before Burger (22) and Nicolaas Scholtz (22) rallied.

However, their efforts proved to be in vain as a haul of four for 25 from Aftab Alam and Dawlat Zadran's three for five prevented them from reaching three figures.

It will be Afghanistan's second appearance at the competition after they reached the group stages of the 2010 tournament in the West Indies.

© Cricket World 2012