Afghanistan to begin cricket World Cup preparatory tour

Dubai, Sep 19 (IANS) The Afghanistan cricket team will begin its four-week training tour in Australia and New Zealand with a one-day match in Perth Sunday as part of their preparation plans for the 2015 ICC World Cup.

This will be Afghanistan's maiden appearance in the 50-over mega event, scheduled from Feb 14 to Mar 29 in Australia and New Zealand, having appeared in three consecutive World Twenty20 tournaments (2010, 2012, and 2014). 

They will commence the tour with two one-day matches in Perth and Canberra before concluding their tour in Tauranga where they will play against Auckland and Northern District.

The tour is organised by the International Cricket Council's (ICC) High Performance Programme (HPP).