He's only been in the job for three weeks, but Afghanistan coach Andy Moles has declared guiding the country to the Test arena is his long-term focus. <\/p>\n
Afghanistan secured its second tight win in as many games over ACT Comets on Sunday at Manuka Oval, passing the hosts' 9-232 with four balls to spare to secure a five-wicket win. <\/p>\n
The war-torn country will play in its first World Cup in February, its opening clash being against Bangladesh in Canberra. <\/p>\n
Bangladesh is the closest team above them in the Test rankings, and Moles says the match is an opportunity to press its claims to play on the big stage. <\/p>\n
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\"If we want to play Test cricket, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are the two sides who are just above us in the rankings,\" Moles said. <\/p>\n
\"Bangladesh will want to show everyone they're still above us in ability but, if we can beat them regularly, we'd be pushing to the ICC [International Cricket Council] to play at a higher level. <\/p>\n
\"Twelve years ago there was no cricket in Afghanistan at all, so to go from nothing to the World Cup is a remarkable story. <\/p>\n
\"Now it's about making sure we've got the depth in the country to push on.\" <\/p>\n
Afghanistan looked set to cruise to victory on Sunday, but lost momentum mid-innings when opening batsman Usman Ghani (61 not out) retired hurt with cramps. <\/p>\n
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Afghanistan pips ACT Comets in World Cup warm-up<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" He's only been in the job for three weeks, but Afghanistan coach Andy Moles has declared guiding the country to the Test arena is his long-term focus. Afghanistan secured its second tight win in as many games over ACT Comets on Sunday at Manuka Oval, passing the hosts' 9-232 with four balls to spare to secure a five-wicket win. The war-torn country will play in its first World Cup in February, its opening clash being against Bangladesh in Canberra. Continue reading