Afghanistan qualify for 2015 Cricket World Cup with win over Kenya

Afghanistan qualify for 2015 Cricket World Cup with win over Kenya
Cricket news, scores and fixtures | Sport

• Afghanistan reach 50-over tournament for the first time
• Seven-wicket win over Kenya secures spot in finals

Afghanistan have taken a further step in a remarkable rise by qualifying for their first World Cup courtesy of a crushing win over Kenya.

Afghanistan only became an International Cricket Council affiliate member in 2001 and were granted associate status this year on the back on successive appearances at the World Twenty20.

But a place at the 50-over showpiece event, to be staged by Australia and New Zealand in 2015, is a new high for the nation and the team secured it in emphatic fashion with a seven-wicket success in Sharjah.

There were still 29.1 overs remaining when Mohammad Nabi hit the winning runs to reel in a meagre target of 94.

Victory was built around a superb bowling performance, with Kenya rolled over for 93. Morris Ouma made 39 of those runs in a 61-ball innings and Rakep Patel, with 18, was the only other player to reach double figures.

Hamza Hotak claimed three for 19, with Nabi, Karim Sadiq and Hamid Hassan chipping in with two cheap wickets apiece.

Mohammad Shahzad fell for one in the second over of Afghanistan's reply, and when Shem Ngoche removed Nawroz Mangal, for 19, and Ashgar Stanikazi in the same over Kenya had half a chance to make it competitive.

But Nabi ensured that quickly passed, hitting 46 not out in 42 balls with three fours and two sixes. Hashmatullah Shaidi was with him at the end, but it fell to Naibi to whip Ngoche through midwicket for four in the 21st over and cap a proud day for Afghanistan.

The result also extinguished the United Arab Emirates' hopes of an automatic place at the World Cup.

Afghanistan cricket team
Cricket World Cup 2015
Cricket
Kenya Cricket Team
Afghanistan

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