Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai insists his team is relishing the opportunity of testing themselves in Test cricket after they bid farewell to the four-day format by regaining the ICC Intercontinental Cup on Saturday.
Resuming play on 201-3, the UAE were all out for 331 with Rashid Khan the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5-83. It meant Afghanistan needed 19 runs to prevail and did so with 10 wickets to spare by reaching their target in 5.3 overs with unbeaten knocks from openers Ihansullah (18) and Javed Ahmadi (2) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
It was the second time Afghanistan has won this competition but greater tests will now lie await for the team when they showcase their talent against the elite international sides over the five-day format.
Afghanistan Cricket Board are still in discussions on when they will make their Test debut but Stanikzai says his players are ready for the “tough journey” ahead.
“We have a very tough journey to come and that is Tests of course,” said the 30-year-old, who scored a century in the first innings. “Especially when we play against big sides, it will be tough for us. We are getting prepared for that stage.
“The Intercontinental Cup is a good example because we have finished at the top of the standings. Three times we have played the I-Cup, and twice we have won the trophy. The guys are working very hard and in our domestic cricket, we have some very good talent coming through. As a unit, we are getting prepared very well for the Tests, mentally and physically.”
Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai taking selfies with fans following 10 wicket win over UAE in I-Cup. Test matches now await for them @Sport360 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/dthzT2Ud7B
— Denzil M Pinto (@denz_360) December 2, 2017
Despite their success in the longer format, which saw them win six of their seven matches in the I-Cup, he warned it will take time to make the transition against stronger opposition.
“It will be a little bit difficult in the first two Test matches that we play but after this, the guys will adjust just like how they have done in other formats. Inshallah, we will perform well and physically we are ready.”
UAE head coach Dougie Brown was impressed with the quality he saw of the champions and has backed them to make a big impact.
“They’ve got a good side, they’ve got a good method,” said the 48-year-old. “They have got a lot of good players and have strength in depth. They got funding and can spend time, money and energy in bringing through strength in depth which they will need when they compete on the world stage.
“They have obviously shown they can beat anybody. They just beat West Indies in a ODI match. Rashid Khan is world class. If he can get the right type of pitch against any opposition, he is going to be a handful. I think they will do really well. I think they will make great strides very quickly when they play Test matches.”
