After having made their way up on the cricket map, Afghanistan featured in the Cricket World Cup for the first time in 2015. The 2015 edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, was Afghanistan's maiden appearance at the big stage. The Afghan team was led by all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan did not qualify for the second round of the 2015 CWC but won hearts with their performances. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Schedule in PDF: Ticket Prices, Dates, Venue Details & Timetable Available for Download Online.

Group Stage: In the 2015 World Cup, Afghanistan were placed in Group A, along sides co-hosts New Zealand and Australia. The group also featured Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, and Scotland. Out of six matches, Afghanistan managed to win just one. Afghanistan’s on win came against Scotland and it apparently was their first World Cup match victory.

In their opening match at the 2015 CWC, Afghanistan lost to Bangladesh by 105 runs. In their second match, the Afghan boys lost to Sri Lanka. However, in their third match, Afghanistan registered a one-wicket win over Scotland. The Afghan side then received a demoralising defeat against Australia by massive 275 runs. Ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Here’s a Look Back at How Bangladesh Fared at the Last Edition of the CWC.

In their last two matches, Afghanistan were handed defeats by New Zealand and England. The Afghan boys ended the World Cup after finishing sixth on Group A team standings, just below England.

Most Runs for Afghanistan at CWC 2015: Samiullah Shinwari was the highest run-scorer for Afghanistan at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. The right-handed batsman scored 254 runs from six matches and averaged 42.33.Shinwarinscored two half-centuries with the highest score of 96.

Most Wickets for Afghanistan at CWC 2015: Fast bowler Shapoor Zadran emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan at the 2015 World Cup. The tall lanky pacer picked ten wickets from six matches, including best of 4/38. Know All About 2015 Cricket World Cup: History, Participants and Winner of the 11th Edition of World Cup.

Following the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan have improved a lot. The Afghanistan team is now the full-fledged member of ICC having earned the Test status last year. Afghanistan may not be the favourites to win the CWC 2019, but they are capable of causing few upsets.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2019 04:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).