Cricket, surprisingly for some who are unfamiliar with the sport, is so popular in Afghanistan that even the Taliban couldn’t ban it, with the country becoming an associate member of the ICC in 2000. At the moment they are playing Ireland in the final of the World Twenty20 Qualifier competition in Dubai – the winner goes on to play the big fish in the upcoming World Cup.

Two days ago, Afghanistan beat the United States in the semi finals. Scoring 135-4 they performed well in the field including a first ball wicket from Hamid Hassan, Afghanistan’s star bowler. The United States managed only 106-7 ensuring victory to the Afghanis.

Today Ireland hit 148-8 in their 20 overs and Afghanistan are currently 114-2 after 15 overs…and looking at a comfortable and historic triumph.

Thousands of miles away their countrymen are being liberated from the evil of the Tailban and now the first sporting buds of a new-born Afghanistan are being seen on the world stage. It’s going to be a great day for Afghan sport, and a triumph for freedom and the spoils of peace.

UPDATE: Mohammad Shahzad does it in style with a six…147-2 off 17.3 which adds up to a decisive victory over the Irish and a ticket to the Twenty20 World Cup.