Afghanistan started its Intercontinental campaign on the 16th of August 2009 against Zimbabwe XI. The first match was a draw from which Afghanistan earned their first 9 points, 6 points for the lead in first innings and 3 for the draw. It was also the match Afghanistan opener Noor Ali set some personal milestones. In his first class debut, Noor Ali hit a century in both innings of the game, joining an elite group of three other players who have achieved the same feat on their first class debut.
"It was a very good day for me to get my first first-class century and it was very special to score a hundred for my country. I will never forget this day in my life. It is an unbelievable thing for me to score a century against Zimbabwe and we have done a good job here so far to get ahead of them and we will be doing everything we can to try and win this match" Noor Ali said after the match.
Afghanistan then showed a great performance by earning 14 points against Netherlands on 26th August, then 20 points by beating the defending champions, Ireland on 24th January, 14 points against Canada on 23rd February, and then 20 points more by beating Scotland on their own home ground, Ayer, the victory put Afghanistan on the top of the points table in this tournament. However it was not yet the moment of joy for Afghanistan Cricket lovers as it was not yet decided if Afghanistan will be featuring in final or not.
There were still 3 more matches on the played which could still push Afghanistan down from the top of the points table. A match between Ireland and Zimbabwe XI was scheduled on 23rd September, Afghanistan v/s Kenya on 2nd October and Scotland v/s Zimbabwe XI. The draw between Zimbabwe XI and Ireland on 20th of September secured Afghanistan's position in final of Intercontinental Cup.
Afghanistan still has to play against Kenya but with 77 points on the table they have secured their position in the final even if Afghanistan loses their upcoming match against Kenya on 2nd October.
There might also be a match between Zimbabwe XI and Scotland, but it’s not sure whether the match is going to take place, However lately Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has offered to forfeit their match against Scotland, and consequently the chance for a place in the final, after Cricket Scotland reversed its decision to send a team to Zimbabwe in October following advice from the Scottish government against visiting the country. The proposal, if approved by the ICC, will result in Scotland gaining full points from the match and qualifying for the final.
The final will be played between Afghanistan and either Scotland or Zimbabwe XI in UAE on 25th November in Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If the two finalists come to draw by the end of the 5th day's play in the final, the current position of the team in points table will decide the final winner of the Intercontinental Cup.
