Afghanistan holds the upper hand against Scotland | ICC WCQ 2018

Here we go, the most awaited day has finally arrived as ICC World Cup Qualifier will commence today, and 10 teams will lock horn against each other to grab two remaining spots of ICC World Cup to be held in England&Wales next year.

Four teams from each group will come to play today as four matches are scheduled to be held in four different grounds of Harare and Bulawayo respectively. PNG and UAE will face each other followed by clash of Ireland and Netherlands in Group ‘A’ fixture in Harare. Where host Zimbabwe is up against unknown opposition Nepal followed by the clash of warriors; Afghanistan and Scotland on Group ‘B’ fixture in Bulawayo.

Afghanistan Vs Scotland

Inspiring side; Afghanistan will launch their qualifier tourney against one of most consistent associate’s fellow, Scotland.

Having already played around 100 ODIs, Scotland won’t leave any chance to grab up the spot for ICC World Cup 2019. Scotland had already taken part in previous three edition of World Cup (1999, 2007, and 2015). Since appearing in a mega event for the first time in 1999 AD, Scottish have a trend to miss a world cup in-between. If they qualify for this edition of world cup then, it will be the first instance for them where they represent in the two World Cup fixtures consecutively. Talking about Scotland’s recent form, they have played four matches this year, their only win came against UAE in late January on Dubai. Scotland’s right-handed opener, Michael Jones added an additional power in their stable batting line-up. The 20-year-old batsman played his first ever ODI match against Ireland this year and started with lots of positive sign with 180 runs across 4 matches Including two half-century with the highest score of 87 runs. Keeping all these things in mind, Scotland has enough resources and considerable chance to beat Afghanistan. But they need to produce their best show, to beat an unstoppable Afghanistan side raising their standard in every given day in the office.

No.1 ODI and T20 bowler Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan

Afghanistan had registered their first victory in World Cup match against Scotland in their only one appearance in ICC World Cup 2015 edition. Afghanistan is undoubtedly the most improved side in past few years. They are currently enjoying their green patches and never missed to stun the world. They are one of the promising contenders to qualify for ICC World Cup 2019. Everything is favoring their hard work in the past, the little issue of concern is an absence of their skipper, Asghar Stanikzai in the first week of the competition. But with Rashid Khan’s experience of all the top leagues across the world that shouldn’t be the much itching matter for Afghans. They are in red-hot form this year, as they are since past few years, registering four wins out of 5 matches played this year. With Zimbabwe’s spin friendly condition, very familiar face Rashid Khan along with unknown commodity of ODI’s arena, Mujeeb Zadran, they are expected to make opposition dance in their spin. Afghanistan’s in-stand leader, Rashid Khan is on the pinnacle of ICC ODI bowling ranking with 16 wickets off 5 matches this year. Hence, all the aspect suggest the pendulum towards Afghanistan, but we can expect tight and close context at this level.