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Howzzatt for Courage

DUBAI — While their brothers at home are fighting their own war, out here in the UAE, Afghanistan’s stalwart cricketers are showing off their warrior skills on the field of sport.

On the very day of the largest offensive in this beleaguered mountain country, their doughty batsmen and bowlers have ‘won the day’ and been guaranteed of a place for the next Twenty20 Cricket World Cup to be fought in the West Indies.

Three years ago, Afghanistan was in the fifth tier of international cricket but narrowly missed qualifying for the One-Day World Cup last year.

Coached by former Pakistani international cricketer Kabir Khan, this ‘Band of Brothers’ have done their country proud. They beat the UAE in the super four semi-finals league on Saturday. They earlier lost to the Netherlands, but beat Ireland in the pool stage, points of which were carried into the super four for their entry into the final.

It is a matter of great pride and a tribute to the will and mental strength of these men who have brought glory to their nation in a time of grim challenge and squarely put it on the sports map.

And they have aspired to reach there with no hoopla, no endorsements, sheer guts and glory and earned the admiration of the whole cricketing world.

Whether they will win the title or not it does not change their admission to the exclusive club. How’s that?