PARIS, Jan 20: Afghanistan’s cricketing rollercoaster ride stops off in Argentina this week with a place in the 2011 World Cup tantalisingly within reach.

At the leafy Buenos Aires settings of the Hurlingham, Belgrano and St Albans Clubs, Afghanistan will tackle Argentina, Hong Kong, Uganda, Papua New Guinea and the Cayman Islands.

If they finish in the top two, they’ll progress to April’s World Cup qualifier in South Africa, the final testing ground ahead of the 2011 World Cup to be staged in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Since their entry into ICC tournaments, they have been determined to show that there is more to Afghanistan than bloodshed and roadside bombs. They surged through Division Five and Four of the World Cricket League with successive promotions, earning desperately-needed development cash along the way as well as plaudits.

Their successes have also led to neighbours Pakistan helping in the preparations for the Division Three tournament in Argentina.

“2011 is a dream - I am very hopeful,” said Afghanistan coach Kabir Ali, a former Pakistan Test player. Despite losing to Afghanistan in the Division Four final in Tanzania last year, Hong Kong were still promoted and their coach, ex-England international Aftab Habib, is confident his side can progress when the action gets underway in Argentina from Saturday.—AFP