The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morkel

Sep 16, 2024

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The Afro-Asia Cup: History, editions and prominent cricketing figures ft. MS Dhoni and Morne Morkel

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The Afro-Asia Cup was a unique cricket tournament that first took place in 2005. It was created as a collaborative effort between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the African Cricket Association (ACA), designed to showcase the talent from both continents. This competition featured an “Africa XI” composed of players from African nations and an “Asia XI” comprising top cricketers from Asia. The tournament aimed to promote the game in Africa and strengthen cricketing ties between the two regions.

Nations that contributed players to Africa XI

The Africa XI team in the Afro-Asia Cup was comprised of players from African cricket-playing nations, primarily focusing on South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. South Africa, as the most dominant cricketing nation in the continent, contributed a majority of the players, including experienced all-rounders, batters, and bowlers. Zimbabwe also played a key role, providing players who brought skill and experience, particularly in the spin and middle-order batting departments. Kenya, while a developing cricket nation, contributed several players known for their energy and fielding. These three nations formed the backbone of the Africa XI, representing the best talent available from the African continent.

Nations that contributed players to Asia XI

Asia XI brought together players from cricketing powerhouses such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India, with its vast talent pool, contributed world-class batters, all-rounders, and fast bowlers, leading the charge for the Asia XI team. Pakistan, known for producing formidable fast bowlers and aggressive batters, added strength to both the batting and bowling departments.

Sri Lanka, with its rich cricketing tradition, provided players with exceptional spin bowling and reliable middle-order options. Bangladesh, an emerging force in international cricket, also contributed key players, particularly in the all-rounder and spin bowling roles. Together, these nations brought together a formidable Asia XI that matched the best in the world.

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1. First edition of Afro-Asia Cup (2005) in South Africa

The inaugural edition of the Afro-Asia Cup took place in August 2005, and the matches were hosted in South Africa. This first-of-its-kind event saw an Africa XI take on an Asia XI in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The primary venues for the matches were the SuperSport Park in Centurion and Kingsmead in Durban. The tournament was organized with the purpose of raising funds for African cricket development and enhancing the cricketing ties between the two continents

Match results of the first edition (2005)

The first Afro-Asia Cup in 2005 featured three One Day Internationals (ODIs), played between Africa XI and Asia XI, with the Asia XI dominating the series.

1st ODI – Centurion:
Asia XI won by 2 wickets.
Africa XI batted first and posted a total of 198 in 48.5 overs. Shaun Pollock top-scored for the African team with 45 runs, but the Asian bowlers, led by Abdul Razzaq, restricted them well. In response, Asia XI chased the target in 48.4 overs, led by a crucial 73 from Rahul Dravid. Despite some middle-order stumbles, Asia XI secured a close victory.
2nd ODI – Durban:
Asia XI won by 17 runs.
Batting first, Asia XI scored 267/9 in 50 overs, with Shahid Afridi playing an explosive innings of 55 off just 27 balls. Africa XI, in response, was restricted to 250/8 in their 50 overs, despite a strong 82 from Steve Tikolo. Venkatesh Prasad’s disciplined bowling helped Asia XI win and seal the series.
3rd ODI – Durban:
Asia XI won by 18 runs.
Asia XI put up 241/9 in their 50 overs, with key contributions from Mohammad Kaif (52) and Dravid (54). Africa XI, despite a brilliant 85 from Steve Tikolo, fell short and was bowled out for 223, with Asia XI clinching the match and completing the 3-0 series win.

2. Second edition of Afro-Asia Cup (2007) in India

Following the success of the 2005 edition, the second Afro-Asia Cup was held in 2007, this time in India. The tournament took place in June, and all three ODIs were held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The concept remained the same, with the Asia XI pitted against the Africa XI, but this time the event attracted even more attention due to the presence of big-name players from both sides.

Match results of the second edition (2007)

The second edition, held in India in 2007, also featured three ODIs, and Asia XI repeated their dominance over Africa XI.

1st ODI – Bengaluru:
Asia XI won by 34 runs.
Asia XI set a target of 317/9 in 50 overs, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 65 and Mohammad Yousuf contributing 66. Africa XI, led by AB de Villiers (88), managed 283/9 in 50 overs but couldn’t chase down the target.
2nd ODI – Bengaluru:
Asia XI won by 31 runs (D/L method).
Asia XI posted 337/7, powered by a century from Yousuf (104). Rain affected the match, reducing Africa XI’s target to 276 in 39 overs. Despite a fighting 89 from Pollock, Africa XI was bowled out for 244 in 37.5 overs, giving Asia XI another victory.
3rd ODI – Bengaluru:
Asia XI won by 13 runs.
Sanath Jayasuriya‘s blistering century (107 off 79 balls) helped Asia XI post 331/8 in their 50 overs. Africa XI put up a valiant fight, with Thomas Odoyo scoring 70, but they fell short and were bowled out for 318 in 49.5 overs. Asia XI swept the series 3-0 once again.
Only T20I – Bengaluru:
On 5 June 2007, Asia XI defeated Africa XI by 6 wickets in a non-official Twenty20 match of the Afro-Asia Cup at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, chasing down 109 runs in 15.5 overs, with Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring 47* and Loots Bosman top-scoring for Africa XI with 52.

Impact of the Afro-Asia Cup

Though the Afro-Asia Cup was short-lived, it left an impact in terms of promoting cricket in Africa and fostering good relations between the cricketing boards of the two continents. The tournament provided exposure to African players by pitting them against some of the best cricketers from Asia, and it was seen as a positive step in expanding the game globally. However, logistical issues and scheduling difficulties prevented the tournament from continuing beyond its second edition.

Top players involved in the Afro-Asia Cup

Top players from both continents participated, making it an exciting event for cricket fans. Asia XI featured the likes of Indian players like MS Dhoni, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, while Africa XI boasted players like South Africa’s Morne Morkel, Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Taibu, and Kenya’s Steve Tikolo. These players brought immense skill and experience, making the matches memorable despite the tournament’s brief existence.