It's sad that Ireland couldn't make into the super10. I had high hopes on them. They played splendid cricket last year during the world cup. They are the best among the associates. It was surprising to see Afghanistan to qualify though.
What are your thoughts on regarding this matter?
[quote author=Personablue link=topic=103253.msg684095#msg684095 date=1458047100]
It's sad that Ireland couldn't make into the super10. I had high hopes on them. They played splendid cricket last year during the world cup. They are the best among the associates. It was surprising to see Afghanistan to qualify though.
What are your thoughts on regarding this matter?
[/quote]
Afghanistan are the best associate team and have been for some time. In all honesty, they are currently better than Zimbabwe too. Afghanistan have won the most T20 matches over the last year with a 16-3 record. They also have a winning record in ODI's over this period too (6-4). They are a team very much on the rise and worthy of gracing this World Cup.
And I think that's why not being at the world cup will help Ireland. As you say, Afghanistan have been a very good side for a while now but Ireland are still learning their way I feel.
Afghanistan in the world cup will have a lot of pressure on their shoulder to prove that they are best of the associate's but I think they can handle that because of the team and experience they've got and will do themselves justice in the tournament, Ireland on the other hand I think would have collapsed.
[quote author=dillinger10 link=topic=103253.msg684211#msg684211 date=1458066462]
Afghanistan are the best associate team and have been for some time. In all honesty, they are currently better than Zimbabwe too. Afghanistan have won the most T20 matches over the last year with a 16-3 record. They also have a winning record in ODI's over this period too (6-4). They are a team very much on the rise and worthy of gracing this World Cup.
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Is it? I may have missed some records, but I remember Ireland playing better cricket during last year's World cup by defeating WI, Zim and getting neck to neck with other teams.
16-3 record speaks a lot, then they are worthy to qualify. Looking forward to see them in action.