After a memorable three weeks in which they have gained global attention, Afghanistan's 21-run win over Namibia in Pretoria yesterday earned them official ODI status, although they failed short of sealing a spot at the World Cup as they couldn't beat Kenya's net run rate.

Afghanistan chose to bat and made 243 for seven thanks largely to Mohammad Shehzad's 73 and captain Nowroz Mangal's 78. Nine bowlers were used and they did well in the field, but that 87-run partnership between Shehzad and Mangal proved decisive. Afghanistan came out determined to win and their new-ball attack of Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan nipped out early wickets.

Hassan finished an impressive tournament with three for 37, striking at the top, in the middle and at the tail, and received support from Zadran and Karim Khan. From 79 for five Namibia were resurrected somewhat thanks to Gerrie Snyman's 54 before Hassan and Karim hit back.

After a remarkable year, the win marked a commendable campaign by Afghanistan who now face the challenge of making the most of their four years of valuable funding and opportunity.

'It's a great achievement by the Afghan cricket team to qualify for ODI status with such scant resources and shows the determination and resourcefulness of the people," said Dominic O'Reilly, UK Director of the charity Afghanaid. "Those of us who work in and for Afghanistan know there is much more to the country than the fighting we see on news bulletins and the cricketers have demonstrated that. While cricket is currently a minority sport in Afghanistan, I'm sure the team's success will boost interest and give everyone there a lift."

Praise was quick to arrive from other teams, with Scotland coach Peter Steindl pleased for their success. "Good on 'em. They've come a long way and have played in a lot of tournaments just to get this far, so any team that comes from Division Three or Four and works their way up to reach the top six, they deserve it," he said. "You don't get there by luck, or without hard work and good performances, so good on them. "