Afghanistan aim to rebound at World Cup

Mar 5, 2015 - 3:23 AM Afghanistan coach Andy Moles has urged his team to play with more freedom and bravery as they attempt to avoid another World Cup shellacking when they confront New Zealand in Napier on Sunday.

The cricketing minnows were horribly out of their depth during their 275-run hammering at the hands of Australia in Perth on Wednesday.

In reply to Australia's 6-417, Afghanistan were skittled for 142 in 37.3 overs - the heaviest loss in World Cup history.

The task doesn't get any easier for Afghanistan, who round out their group stage with daunting matches against NZ and England.

Afghanistan's batsmen struggled against Australia's pace attack on the bouncy WACA deck, and Moles hopes NZ's new-ball pairing of Tim Southee and Trent Boult won't inflict similar carnage.

"I just said to the guys that playing quick bowling is about character, and we need to show more character when we're up against it," Moles said.

"I'll be doing my best to make sure they don't go into their shells.

"I keep telling them they must express themselves and play with the freedom that Afghanistan cricket has been known for."

Although Afghanistan were completely outclassed against Australia, they pushed Sri Lanka all the way earlier in the tournament, and also posted a win against Scotland.

Moles said it was imperative for the Associate nations to play more games against cricket's elite.

Such was Afghanistan's inexperience of playing at the WACA, they used golf balls in the nets at training in a bid to replicate the bounce of the famous pitch.

"We need to play against people that bowl at that speed, aggression, and excellence more often so that we can get better at playing at it," Moles said.

Moles said it was also imperative for his team to bowl a tighter line.

Source: AAP