[Series Thread]: 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier | Non-Zim Matches

[sloandog]

The only thing which worries me with Cephas is that these bowlers aren't your bog-standard spinners. He'll have to contend with doosras, off spinners, leg spinners etc, and from what I've heard he's not the sharpest tool in the box.

Still, to be able to hit the ball as hard as him so consistently shows that he has what it takes. I just desperately hope he can pull it off tomorrow in front of a big crowd.

C'mon lads!

[TapsC]

Cephas and Mire should just go for it. No point in them sticking around. Players like that don't rotate the strike well and them changing their game usually leads to their demise as they will chew up deliveries then get nervous and play a stupid shot.

If Afghanistan stick to their same formula they might be in for a shock. Cephas can go after spinners so an allegedly 16 year old Mujeeb might be completely caught off guard if he leaks 20 runs in his first over. That left hand/right hand combo is also not so easy as a spinner first up. There will be a couple of loose deliveries.

It's do or die for both teams really. Afghanistan definitely under more pressure

[TapsC]

We could also switch things up and send Raza up the order. Man in serious form. Better player of spin than Mire. 2 fielders out.he could do some serious damage. If he bats half the game we will be in with a chance. I know that's very risky but sometimes fortune favours the brave. It would be very painful to watch us getting beaten the exact same way.

[sloandog]

I'm more excited to follow cricinfo tomorrow for this game than any of the recent ODI's. I would seriously love it if we won tomorrow.

[jimbo]

Big bully needs to turn up tomorrow. Quickfire 70 hey presto

[eugene]

Zimbabwe's love of the reverse sweep must come from Andy Flower surely? He was the best reverse sweeper in the game and used it effectively.

[Kriterion_BD]

Zimbabwe's love of the reverse sweep must come from Andy Flower surely? He was the best reverse sweeper in the game and used it effectively.

That makes perfect sense.

[Kriterion_BD]

The Afghans should be a lot more serious about this game. They got the banana skin out of the way so less likely to stumble again in the group stage. Additionally, the Scottish lose isn't exactly headline news. Afghanistan always lose a game here and there to teams. A lot of hype has been created around them, but Afghanistan still has a long way to go. Consider this: Afghanistan failed to qualify for the last Asia Cup, losing to UAE. Yes UAE who are now in Division 2. The Afghans also lost to Nepal at the last WT20...the same Nepal that gave up nearly 400 runs to ZIM.

The bottom line is, the Afghans were never going to waltz through this tournament without breaking a sweat. But they are still a good side and they will be looking to make adjustments.

[foreignfield]

Old Hararians I'm guessing. Any photos? I'd be interested in seeing what the ground and bar looks like if you've got any.

ICC have a short video about the ground here: https://www.icc-cricket.com/video/636520

And the match highlights: https://www.icc-cricket.com/video/636098

[sloandog]

How stunning does OH look...

That seriously looks in pristine condition from that 2007 cricinfo photo that surfaced.