Tim Wigmore focuses on the top end of the Tier Two game where two teams have dominated

Tim Wigmore

For eight years, dating back to Afghanistan’s shock victory in the World Cup qualifiers in 2009, Afghanistan and Ireland have been adversaries on the pitch but allies off it, together showing the talent that exists beyond the ten Full Members and pushing world cricket, often seemingly in vain, to recognise as much. Their fierce rivalry has made both countries collaborate in exploring the limits of the sport’s potential beyond the Test world.
Until now, at least. After years of r...