Shapoor Zadran, new Afghan hero
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Back-to-back thrillers - not in a movie marathon, but in the 2015 World Cup. Two nerve-racking games of cricket were played but interestingly, none of the big teams were involved. First, on Wednesday, Ireland scraped past the United Arab Emirates with a two wicket win and then on Thursday, Afghanistan and Scotland produced another nail-biter.
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The so-called 'minnows' have lit up the World Cup. While all the big teams have either won or lost comprehensively, these evenly matched teams, have produced edge-of-the-seat entertainers. The associate nations are usually welcomed into the World Cup to provide for some relief to the big boys - a bit of breathing space, a couple of easy game to get into the groove before heading to the business end. (Rise of The New Afghan Heroes )
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However, this time, the associates aren't mere pushovers. Especially, Ireland and Afghanistan. These two teams have come into the tournament with a point to prove to the International Cricket Council. They have been knocking on ICC's door for some time but now, in this World Cup, they are in a mood to blast it open.
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Every Irish cricketer hates the word 'minnow'. They hate it more than they hate England poaching their stars. Featuring four times in the top ten chases in the World Cup history, Ireland have earned a seat at the big table. They're not in the business of producing an odd scare for the big teams any more, they are certified giant killers. They have lost their big names to England, yet have a batting order that chases down 250-plus scores with utmost ease. Their bowling looks a tad weak after the retirement of Trent Johnston and the 'betrayal' of Boyd Ranking but their spirited efforts on the field have backed up the bowlers beautifully. The Irish, this time, are serious contenders for a top-eight spot. (Irish Batsman Ed Joyce Survives Bail Scare )
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One can't go beyond Afghanistan when one talks about 'spirit'. The Afghan team is the darling of the cricketing world and rightly so. The men from the rugged terrains of Tora Bora mountains are scripting their own fairytale in this edition of cricket's mega event. This rawness of this Mohammad Nabi-led team has been like a breath of fresh air. They might not be the most talented around but have definitely ruffled a few feathers with their dogged fighting spirit. Their bowling led by the long-maned Shapoor Zadran boasts of serious steam, while their batting is starting to come together. They delivered a shock to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup and in this World Cup have improved remarkably on their potential. (I Did My Job: Samiullah Shenwari )
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The UAE too, have been quite a package. A team of amateurs, the UAE house players from various walks of life - bankers, teachers, airline workers. The players in this team earn a living through basic 9 to 5 jobs and are mostly into their thirties. Led by the 43-year-old Khurram Khan, this team has already raised a few eyebrows with their show of determination. Although they haven't been able to squeeze out a win yet, they have put up a brave front in each of them.
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Scotland too, have held their own in this tournament. Except the game against England, where they lost the plot completely, the Scots have been pushed the other teams hard. They ran through the New Zealand middle-order, gave West Indies a serious scare and then against Afghanistan paid the price of inexperience.
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This is where the ICC needs to come in. The World Cup needs slimming down, true, but it shouldn't be at the cost of the minnows. In fact, if the minnows are good enough, they should be given a chance to overpower a few struggling Test nations. ICC needs to facilitate more international games throughout the year for these teams. They should be given a chance to participate in tri-series and four-nation tournaments, so they can gain the required experience to cause some serious damage to the Test playing teams in the World Cup instead of delivering a few upsets.
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The scene needs to change for the betterment of cricket and in Australia-New Zealand, the minnows have already shown their promise and their prowess. They have sounded their arrival loudly but is the ICC listening?
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The ICC can act now or do nothing to produce a few more Bangladesh, Netherlands and Kenya - the ball is in Dave Richardson's court now.
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For starters, how about not tagging any team as the 'minnows' anymore?
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