Afghanistan will contest a major cricket tournament for the first time after the country qualified for the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup. The Afghans beat United Arab Emirates by four wickets in Saturdays 20-over match to reach the final of a qualifying tournament. The battle-scarred nation will now play Ireland or the Netherlands, but Afghanistans place in the World Cup in the West Indies in May is already assured as both finalists qualify. The UAE were restricted to 100-9 and Afghanistan opening batsman Noor Ali finished unbeaten on 38 as a victory total of 101 was clinched with three balls to spare. Afghanistans ascent in world cricket has been rapid since gaining affiliate membership of the International Cricket Council in 2001.
