March 21, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429

LAHORE, March 20: India’s brilliant show against Australia will inspire other Asian nations and prove a boon for the game in the region, an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official said Thursday.

Led by an inspirational Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India beat Australia 2-0 to lift the tri-series one-day tournament earlier this month.

Before that tournament the tourists narrowly lost a nail-biting Test series 2-1 under Anil Kumble — but only after breaking the host’s 16-match unbeaten run.

“India beating Australia is very good for cricket in Asia and will encourage nations like Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, China and Afghanistan,” ACC chief executive Ashraful Huq said.

He described India as the top team in the world.

“I watched both the finals in Australia and was amazed how the young Indian team paid the Australians back – both on and off the field,” said Ashraful, also a former secretary of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

He said the ACC wanted to build on India’s success.

“We hope minor nations take a leaf out of India’s book. We hope that two Asian teams, other than the four top nations who play directly, qualify for the World Cup 2011,” he said.

The qualifying round of the 2011 World Cup — jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka — will be held in Dubai next year.

Ashraful said the inclusion of cricket as a medal sport in the 2010 Asian Games in China will be a major lift for the game.

“China is improving by leaps and bounds and cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games will open new avenues for the game.

“I can say with confidence that the Chinese women’s team will give top nations a tough fight very soon,” he said.

“Cricket is spreading in China like anything and we hope that once China gets their team in the top competitions, the game will flourish in their market and help our cause.”

And Afghanistan, Ashraful said, will surprise major nations once they have a good coach.

“We have asked Afghanistan to hire a good coach, have in fact offered them a good coach, but they have not yet decided on it. Their players are very talented but they lack cricket knowledge. —AFP