ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2009 - News

Afghanistan pull off shock of the tournament

Saturday, April 11, 2009 10:33:59 AM

Hamid Hassan took five wickets to inspire Afghanistan to one of the biggest upsets in the history of ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier after a 22-run win over Ireland. 

Hamid, who recorded figures of 5-23, transformed the match after a 113-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Andrew White and Kevin O’Brien had helped it recover from 73-5 chasing a target of 219 for victory. 

Returning to bowl with six overs remaining, Hamid first dismissed White and then in his following over accounted for O’Brien, Regan West and Peter Connell, before Mohammad Nabi finished the match by bowling John Mooney. 

Earlier, Rais Ahmadzai (50), Asghar Stanikzai (47) and Mohammad Shehzad (46) had helped Afghanistan reach 218-7 off 50 overs.