Afghanistan bullish ahead of historic Scotland clash

HAMID Hassan insists that today's historic cricket clash between Scotland and Afghanistan holds no fears for his team-mates.

The Afghans will play for the first time on UK soil when the sides line up in a crucial Intercontinental Cup clash at Cambusdoon, Ayr. It's a match the Scots would have been red-hot favourites to win until a couple of years ago, but Afghanistan have stormed up the international rankings from Division 5 also-rans two years ago to become one of the top six associate nations.

They also hold a 3-2 head-to-head advantage over the Scots in previous meetings, though this is the first four-day clash between the pair. And star player Hamid credits coach Kabir Khan, a former Stirling professional, with removing the fear-factor from the Afghan players.

Hamid said: "Kabir Khan has totally changed the team and the mindset of the players. A few years ago we never expected to play at a high level but lots of credit goes to Kabir for getting us where we are. Before the World Cup qualifiers last year we were scared about playing Ireland, Scotland and Kenya. But we beat Ireland and we beat Scotland twice and proved we can compete with teams like them."

Hamid also believes the three years Kabir spent in Scottish club cricket can help Afghanistan inflict a first Intercontinental Cup defeat on Scotland in the present campaign. He added: "Kabir played a lot in Scotland so he has told us what to expect and how to bowl on the wickets here."

Meanwhile, Kabir is wary of a new-look Scotland side which he believes has turned the corner after a disastrous showing at last year's World Cup qualifying tournament. The Afghans won the first three meetings between the sides but Scotland hit back with two wins during last month's World Cricket League in Holland.

Kabir, Stirling pro from 2006-08, said: "Scotland is like a second home to me so I know most of their players and I hope that helps us. I saw a lot of youngsters who were very highly talented when I was last here and I thought: why not try them rather than the people who have been getting chances again and again.

"The older guys were also good players but they were not winning the games. But when I saw Scotland in Holland just a month ago it was a changed team and it was a good decision by the coach and selectors to bring in the new players."

Kabir singled out Forfarshire all-rounder Matty Parker as the best of the new crop, adding: "I always liked him when I saw him as a kid. He is learning and improving all the time and that is what you get with younger players." Scotland, who are currently sitting top of the seven-team I-Cup table, need victory over third placed Afghanistan to secure their place in November's final. However, defeat or a draw could leave them needing victory in their final group match against Zimbabwe.

Scotland's hopes of claiming that berth in the final were handed a boost last night when Kent seamer Dewald Nel was given the go ahead to return to big-stage action.