Away from cricket and accustomed to dealing with bigger issues, a war-torn Afghanistan team will chase down history on Tuesday in a game that has often been a soothing balm to many of the country’s battered souls.
Having been punched above their weight, they now face England in the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 showpiece at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a fitting setting for those looking to get inspired to work in cricket. Name can only be done by the person in whose name the venue is named. Do it in its heyday.
Afghanistan will create history if they are able to beat the arch-rival England, as they have never reached the final of the Under-19 World Cup.
If his entry into the tournament was not devoid of drama, his march into the last-four stage was no less dramatic, thanks to visa issues.
Troubles turned against him when he posted just 134 on the board after being asked to take the first strike in Sri Lanka’s quarterfinal match, but Afghanistan struck with the ball to bundle out the island nation for 130 in 46 overs in Coolidge Cricket. Made a great performance. Grounds in Antigua.
Earlier, Afghanistan won all three matches in the group stage, after obtaining the necessary permission to travel to the West Indies.
This is only the second time, the first being the 2018 edition in New Zealand, that Afghanistan have made it to the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup.
England will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge though.
England are widely known for their batting depth in white-ball cricket and Jacob Bethel is one name that can cause problems for Afghanistan’s bowlers.
The Warwickshire batting all-rounder showed his prowess in England’s quarterfinal win against South Africa at the same venue. He scored 88 runs in 42 balls at a strike-rate of 209.52 which is the most for any Englishman in an innings of at least 50 runs in the Under-19 World Cup.
Born in Barbados and the idol of Sir Garfield Sobers, Bethel has so far scored 201 runs in four innings at an average of 50.25 and a strike-rate of 112.92 and scored two 50s.
England will be hoping to continue that form against Afghanistan, although they have others capable of contributing for the team.
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