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Afghanistan loom as a dangerous foe to be wary of at next year's World Cup.

The Andy Moles-coached side showed glimpses of real ability during four matches against the Northern Knights and Auckland Aces in Mt Maunganui over the past week.

Top-order batsmen Usman Gahni, Nawroz Mangal and Najibullahj Zadran appear to be talented strokemakers, while Asghar Stanikzai, skipper Mohammad Nabi and fellow all-rounder Samiullah Shenwari give their middle order potency and power-hitting.

Left-handed paceman Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran make for a quick and testing new-ball duo, Nabi is a crafty off-spinner, while seamer Merwais Asharaf should prove hard to get away in Kiwi conditions early next year.

At Bay Oval yesterday, Afghanistan scored a 16-run win over the Knights following a five-wicket loss when the two sides met for the first time on Tuesday.

Almost all of the batsmen contributed, with Stanikzai thumping six sixes in his 63 off 47 balls, while Ghani made 44 off 48 deliveries.

In Northern's reply, opener Bharat Popli produced a stylish 58 off 95 balls but got out when his side required him to bat through.

Skipper Jono Hickey made 44 off 55 balls, while wicketkeeper/batsman Tim Seifert showed more of his undoubted potential by slamming 48 not out off just 26 balls, with three sixes and two fours.

Shenwari completed a fine match double with 2-21 off five overs of leg-spin while new-ball bowler Dawlat Zadran was quick and accurate in returning 2-46 off 10 overs.

Afghanistan qualified for the World Cup through the World Cricket League Championship last year.

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Afghanistan displaying potential for Cup shocks