Flashback - Famous matches from past ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019 will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 18 – November 2, 2019. The past five editions of the event have seen some exhilarating performances
Ireland beat Kenya in low scoring thriller – 4 August, 2008
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Ireland thwarted Kenya’s hopes of making it to the T20 World Cup in 2009 in a low-scoring thriller in Belfast. After bowling out the 2003 World Cup semi-finalists for 67, the Irish weren’t very convincing as they chased down the paltry total with just five balls to spare. That was enough though for them to make it to the second edition of the marquee event next year.
Andre Botha starred for the hosts with both bat and ball as he first took three for 20 to restrict Kenya and then top-scored with a gritty 22 in the chase. Kevin O’Brien provided a moment for the highlight reel as he smashed a six off the final ball of the last over to seal the game.
Afghanistan ride emotion to beat UAE – February 13, 2010
Riding high on emotion, Afghanistan had nearly qualified for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup but the near miss and the loss against the Netherlands a day before this game left hordes of cricket fans around the world fearing the worst again. After all, no team in recent history had evoked such sentiment as these boys from South Asia did.
The match itself turned out to be a thriller. Hosts UAE won the toss and opted to bat first but could only manage 100 in their stipulated 20 overs. Saqib Ali top-scored with 24 but the stars of the innings were Mohammad Nabi and Mirwais Ashraf, who scalped three and two wickets, respectively. In response, the Afghans struggled to get going too but Noor Ali Zadran anchored the innings, scoring 38 and ensuring his team reached the target with three balls to go.
The Men’s T20 World Cup 2010 was thus their first major ICC event.
