US, Afghanistan to battle on pitch

Dubai : The US will take on Afghanistan in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers at the Dubai Sports City cricket stadium.

Though America is preparing for a big military offensive in Afghanistan the team's attention in Dubai will be on cricket.

They both have only one aim in common and that is to make a mark in this game.

Afghanistan are the stronger team with some of their players having played in Pakistan's domestic cricket. America have announced that they will soon become a power in cricket. On the first day of the qualifiers, they stunned Scotland while Afghanistan shocked Ireland.

For both the teams it has been an intense struggle to play as well as popularise the game in their countries. Though the youngsters in Afghanistan now love to play cricket, the Taliban banned the game there.

For Americans, cricket is an alien sport but many players from the nearby West Indies, as well as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who migrated to US, are playing a big role in spreading the game.

Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan, expressing delight over his team's performance against Ireland, said: "It is heartening to beat a top side like Ireland.

"This reflects that we are learning — and learning fast. It is a great jump start for my side to beat the best side in the tournament."

American team skipper Steve Massiah too is confident. "We had done well in the America's Cup recently and want to make the most of the opportunity here," said Massiah.