Published: Jan 08, 2015, 11:51 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 08, 2015, 11:51 AM (IST)
Jan 8, 2015
In preparation of the ICC World Cup 2015, three of the strongest minnows — Afghanistan, Ireland and Scotland, will face off in a triangular series in Dubai. Afghanistan and Scotland will be engaged in the first match of the series. Afghanistan will go into the match as favourites given their past record against their Scottish counterparts.
In the seven ODIs the two teams have faced, Scotland has managed to emerge victorious only twice whereas Afghanistan have won the rest. Scotland will be desperate to correct that shoddy record.
However, it is not likely Afghanistan will be complacent after a lower ranked United Arabian Emirates (UAE) team recently gave them a harsh reality check in form of a 3-1 ODI series defeat. Afghanistan has the opportunity to set that right and go into the World Cup with a positive state of mind.
Mohammad Nabi, the Afghanistan skipper will have to live up to his potential and lead from the front as he is equally capable in batting as well as bowling. Shapoor Zadran, will lead the charge in the bowling department for Afghanistan as his dominating physique supports some serious pace bowling that has troubled more established batsmen in the past. Opener Nawroz Mangal will be shoulder major responsibility at the top.
Kyle Coetzer, the Scottish opener, with an impressive average of 45.20 will look to prove his worth. Skipper, Peter Mommsen has decent all-round abilities.
Catch Live Blog of the Match here
