Travel-weary Afghans promise fight

Mar 7, 2015 - 3:37 AM They may be jet-lagged, licking their wounds from a crushing 275-run defeat and facing a side at the top of their game but Afghanistan's cricket team are vowing to make statement against New Zealand.

The joy of beating Scotland by one wicket to claim their first win in the Cricket World Cup was shortlived after they were given a rude awakening by Australia and coach Andy Moles says they are keen to put on an improved showing against the unbeaten Black Caps in Napier.

"The thing about these Afghans is that they are very passionate and very proud, they are fighters - their history shows that.

"They will be wanting to show everyone - they are in the shop window. They want to make sure we compete. It didn't happen in Australia."

After the delight in Dunedin to overhaul the Scots, the team had to fly to Perth before crossing back across the Tasman again for Sunday's match, a 10,000km itinerary in little more than a week which has taken its toll despite being elevated from cattle class.

"It's true to say we are bit weary. We've tried to put a positive spin on it. The guys have seen a new part of the world so for their development as human beings it's been a good thing.

"It's not ideal. We were in Dunedin and it would have been much better and easier for us to come straight here then go to Perth.

"We are being positive, we managed to get to the front of aeroplane which was nice and we got some rest. We are not using it as an excuse," said Moles who spent less than a year as New Zealand coach before departing the post in 2009.

The humiliation in Perth took some of the shine off their debut win and Moles says unless the side plays more fixtures against the top tier nations they will struggle for consistency.

"We have to learn from what we came across. When you come across these players once every four years its difficult for the boys.

"We are talking to four of five countries who have shown an interest and desire to help us improve which is very encouraging," he said.

Source: AAP