Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal is hoping that the return of coach Kabir Khan will act as a motivation for his side at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier from 13- 24 March.
The 16-team ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2012 (WT20Q) will be staged across five venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. At stake in the UAE will be the two available places in the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 which will be played in Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele from 18 September to 7 October.
A former Pakistan fast bowler, Kabir, was the man responsible for fashioning Afghanistan's qualification to the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in West Indies. That incidentally was Afghanistan's first appearance at a major ICC global event.
Kabir was replaced by another Pakistan player, former captain Rashid Latif, but late in 2011 Latif moved on from his job.
"We have prepared well and have played a few practice games. We have prepared with specific plans where Kabir has made a big impact. We have analysed other teams, we have talked about combinations and the specific roles for batsmen. Kabir's made a huge impact, yet again and it is good to have him for a new three-year term," said Mangal.
In his continuing assessment of Kabir, Mangal added that his advice was simple and yet covered all aspects of the Twenty20 format.
"He said that this format is about 120 balls which is a lot to score runs. He has spoken in detail about how and when to use spinners. So it has been fascinating having him back. He helped us get ODI status and helpedd us qualify for the last ICC World Twenty20," added Mangal.
The Afghanistan captain heaves a huge sigh of relief as he looked back on the brief period between Latif moving on and Kabir's appointment.
"We used to have a new coach on every tour. The combination and understanding was never really there. The benefit with Kabir is that he knows us, knows our psyche because he has been a player himself. This will help us forge a winning combination yet again," revealed Mangal.
Now, with the tournament just a few days away, Mangal is keen for his side to remember all the good tidings from the last qualifier in 2010, also held in UAE.
"We will try to use all the confidence from the fact that we have been champions from here back in 2010 in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. We will fight every inch because it is our mission and target for Afghanistan to qualify. We have to live up to our high standards," opined Mangal.
Two years is a long time in sport and Mangal confirms the same when he talks about the changes in the squad since the ICC World T20 Qualifier in 2010.
"Then we were not that experienced. We have had a few new faces added to the squad. So overall the squad is positive, but there won't be any pressure on us. I have also gained a lot experience as a player and captain," added Mangal.
The make-up of his squad is another cause for Mangal's optimism. He says that his side has a good complement of fast bowlers in Hamid Hassan along with the likes of Dowlat Zadran, Zamir Khan who have made it through good performances in domestic cricket.
Afghanistan played its first One-Day International against a Test playing nation, Pakistan, last month. According to Mangal that was the best experience his side could have before the global qualifier for the ICC World Twenty20 2012.
"We learnt that at the highest level you cannot be hitting every ball out of the ground. You need to look for single and play each ball on its merit. On pitches in UAE we need to play sensibly. It was a good experience for us because it has given something for the boys to plan," said Mangal.
Much like the other sides, Mangal too kept an eye on the recent Pakistan v England T20I series. Mangal believes the series gave an indication of how sides should approach the qualifier.
"It was a good to watch them play. These are not pitches for 180-200. On the pitches in UAE, even 130-135 is fine. So we have to sensible when thinking of a target to set," said Mangal.
Afghanistan's travelling supporters in the UAE is another reason why Mangal and his squad can hope to have a good time during the ICC World Twenty20 2012 Qualifier. Afghanistan made headlines worldwide by qualifying for the ICC World Twenty20 2010. Now if it repeats that feat in 2012, it will be another talking point worldwide.
"If we qualify it will have a big impact on our cricket. It is our mission. If we play well, then it is all up to our fate. We hope we can do it again," concluded Mangal.
