Afghanistan ‘anxiously waits’ to play first international game against Oz

Melbourne:Afghanistan’s cricket chief, Hamid Shinwari, has said the team is “anxiously waiting” for the first international game against Australia in the Middle East next month.

The emerging cricketing nation will play Australia in a one-day match in the desert venue of Sharjah on August 25, their second contest against a major cricketing country after playing Pakistan at the same venue in February. “The value of the match in terms of increased experience as well as confidence and skill building will be immeasurable,” Shinwari said. “Our players and supporters greatly admire and love cricketers from Australia and the opportunity to play them has created widespread interest and excitement and they are anxiously waiting for the day to come,” he added. Waleed Bukhatir, vice chairman of Sharjah Cricket Club, said it would be great to watch the fledgling Afghan team play Australia, News.com.au reports. Afghanistan became an ICC affiliate member in 2001 and a national team was formed in the same year. Afghanistan failed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, but have ODI status until 2013, and have also qualified for this year``s World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. ANI