Afghanistan beat the United States to top its group and joins Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates in the last four of the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers Thursday. In the final group games Afghanistan defeated the United States by 29 runs in Dubai, its third win in a row, while hosts UAE romped to a 42-run win over Canada in Abu Dhabi. In the day's other matches joint title holder Ireland defeated Scotland by 37 runs in Dubai while the Netherlands routed Kenya by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi. Thursday's results put Afghanistan, mainly made up of Afghans brought up in refugee camps over the Pakistan border, on top of Group A, allowing it to carry forward two points into the Super Four stage which will be played in Dubai Friday and Saturday. As top of the other group, the UAE also takes two bonus points into the final round while top seed Ireland and second-seed the Netherlands will start the final stage on zero points. Against the US, Afghan bowlers put up a disciplined performance which was backed up by some smart fielding that allowed the Asian side to defend a 136-run target as the Americans finished at 106-7. The UAE, which had qualified Wednesday, maintained its unbeaten run by defeating Canada by 42 runs after batting first and setting a 142-7 target. Canada was never in the hunt and kept losing wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 100 in 15.5 overs. Ireland managed only 10 fours and a six in their 136-7 but its bowlers, including former captain Trent Johnston (3-20) bowled Scotland out for 99. The Dutch bounced back after Wednesday's shock loss to the UAE with a seven-wicket win over Kenya. Friday's Super Four stage program in Dubai sees Afghanistan taking on the Netherlands and UAE facing Ireland. Pakistan to play in US The Pakistan cricket team is planning to tour the United States later this year. The decision was made during a meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board and United States of America Cricket Association officials in Dubai, the PCB said in a statement Thursday. The USACA delegation was led by its chief executive officer Donald Lockerbie while Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, and its chief operating officer Wasim Bari represented Pakistan. The dates and types of matches to be played for the series has not yet been agreed, “but assurances were made by both parties that a long term agreement to play in the USA will begin with a series later in 2010.” ICC might relocate HQ The ICC has yet to decide whether to relocate its headquarters from Dubai back to Lord's in London. The ICC says it is considering a move to the famous ground in north London but that it is “important to continue its comprehensive and ongoing due diligence before reaching any decisions.” World cricket's governing body has been based in the UAE since moving from offices at Lord's and in Monaco in 2005.
