adminSHARJAH – Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in Sharjah with an eye on improving their world ranking in international cricket. They will play five one-day matches and two Twenty20 matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, their home ground for more than five years. Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Nasimullah Danish highlighted the importance of the International Cricket Council world ranking to their team.
“We are currently at Number Nine in Twenty20 international ranking and we want to improve that position further. We also want to reach the eighth position in one-day international rankings as well (they are currently at No 12) because in the next World Cup, eight ODI teams will be participating. So we are trying our best to improve in all areas of our game,” said Danish.
Ever since Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, who brought international cricket to the United Arab Emirates through Sharjah Stadium, allowed Afghanistan to use this stadium for the nation’s international matches owing to security threats in their country, they have played nearly 10 ODI matches here.
“For the first time, Afghanistan will be hosting a full member nation in Sharjah. We are thankful to Bukhatir for helping Afghanistan cricket for the last five years. His gesture has helped our team rise and make a mark in international cricket,” Danish said.
Waleed Bukhatir, vice chairman of Sharjah Cricket Council and Abdul Rahman Bukhatir’s son, said: “This series will be another milestone for this stadium. It was Bukhatir’s vision to allow Afghanistan to use this stadium as their home venue and improve their cricket. They have now played 10 ODIs here and won six, and that makes us very proud. We are also proud that they have already played 56 ODIs and have got good experience at international level.”
Afghanistan head coach Inzamam-ul-Haq urged crowds to come and watch the contests. “This ground has always been special for fans and it will be another great series for the fans here. There are many Afghanistan fans here and they should come and support their team,” said Inzamam.
“Former Indian pacer Manoj Prabhakar has been signed up as Afghanistan team bowling coach and will be arriving soon. We are preparing well and working hard for the series.” Afghanistan team manager Shir Agha and skipper Mohammad Asghar Stanikzai expressed their confidence in winning the series against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Cricket Council is contacting the Zimbabwe embassy to urge their fans to turn up in large numbers. The one-day matches will be held on December 25 and 29, January 2, 4 and 6.
The two Twenty20 matches are scheduled for January 8 and 10.
Zimbabwe squad:
Elton Chigumbura (cpt), Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer, Chamu Chibhabha, Tinashe Panyangara, Luke Jongwe, Neville Madziva, Hamilton Masakadza, Wellington Masakadza, Muzarabani, Sikander Raza, PJ Moor (wk), Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Craig Ervine and Tendai Chisoro. – Gulf News
Online Reporter