Asian minnows buoyed after pushing Sri Lanka on the ropes
Batsman Ahmadi says running Test-playing side close a boost ahead of tie against Scotland
Afghanistan will go into their World Cup clash against Scotland brimming with confidence after pushing former champions Sri Lanka in their previous match, batsman Javed Ahmadi said yesterday.
The Afghans, making their World Cup debut, had Sri Lanka on the ropes last weekend before a Mahela Jayawardene century spared their blushes in a four-wicket triumph.
Ahmadi said the strong performance was a massive confidence boost as his side prepare to meet Scotland, a fellow nonTest playing “associate” nation.
“The last six months we were practicing for that, playing against a full member [Sri Lanka],” he said. “So hopefully we are ready. The last game was very good for us and we’re looking forward to this against Scotland.”
Ahmadi said Afghanistan’s batting line-up would look for a quick start in cool conditions at Dunedin’s University Oval that could favour their opponents.
But he had faith in his side’s pace attack, even though Mirwais Ashraf is set to miss the fixture after picking up an injury against Sri Lanka.
“Our bowling, this is one of the [best] in tournament, they bowl very well,” he said.
Afghanistan have won five of their eight One Day International clashes with Scotland, although they fell to a heavy 150-run defeat the last time they met in Dubai last month.