Minnows Afghanistan received a twin boost ahead of a make-or-break 2011 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Super 8 clash against mighty Ireland in South Africa Saturday. Star batsman-cum-wicketkeeper Karim Sadiq is available after serving a one-match suspension for attempting to trip a Dutch opponent during a first-round game.
And spinner Nusratullah Nasrat, a replacement for ineligible Riffatullah Momand, arrived here Thursday and will also be considered for selection by coach Kabir Khan. After consecutive first round losses to Kenya, the Netherlands and United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan enter the second phase of the final qualifying tournament for the World Cup desperately seeking a change of fortune.
But the odds are stacked against them as Ireland are on a roll, winning all their first round matches against Uganda, defending champions Scotland, Oman, Canada and Namibia. The Irish, shock conquerors of Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, are favoured not only to overcome the Afghans, but win the tournament and clinch one of four qualifying places for the ODI cricket showpiece. Former Pakistan Test cricketer Khan accepts the tag of outsiders, but says he continues to dream of Afghanistan tackling giants like South Africa, Australia and India at the World Cup.
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