09 April,2009 05:44 PM IST | | PTI
Afghanistan went down to the United Arab Emirates in their last group league match but still qualified for the Super Eight stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifier at the expense of Bermuda, who suffered a 63-run loss to Denmark.
Afghanistan join Namibia, defending champions Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Kenya and the UAE in the Super Eight stage starting on Saturday.
Afghanistan were outdone by UAE after they successfully chased down a target of 251, scoring 257 in 47.2 overs. However, Bermuda's loss to Denmark helped the Afghans sneak through to the next stage.
Namibia also suffered a seven wicket defeat against Ireland but still made it to the Super Eights on the basis of net run rate after a three-way tie with Uganda and Oman, which the former won by one wicket.
However, it would be difficult for Afghanistan to secure one of the four spots for the 2011 World Cup because their two wins so far have come against teams that didn't make it to the last eight and so would not be carrying any point to the Super Eight stage.
Ireland remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament and will take six points to the next stage.
Defending champions Scotland's dream of qualifying for the World Cup suffered a blow after they went down by 148 runs against Canada at Benoni to gift two crucial points to their opponents.
The Scots now have just two points with plenty of ground to make up in the last eight.
Up against UAE, Asghar Stanikzai (69) and skipper Nowroz Mangal (46) helped Afghanistan post 251 for eight. In reply, the team from the Emirates reached home with 22 balls to spare, thanks to Nithin Gopal (81) and Saqib Ali (69).
Elsewhere, Kenya restricted Denmark to 173-8 in 50 overs and then rode on Kennedy Obuya's unbeaten 84 and Seren Waters's 61 not out to finish off its group league campaign with a convincing win over Denmark.
Uganda, Oman, Bermuda and Denmark go into the play-offs to determine the ninth-12th places.
