Captain Rashid Khan believes Afghanistan’s first qualification to the T20 World Cup semi-final, following spectacular victories over New Zealand and Australia along the way, is an important feat that will inspire the youth of the conflict-torn nation. Afghanistan, who became full members of the ICC only in 2017, created history by qualifying for their first T20 World Cup semi-final with a victory over Bangladesh. “I think the semi-final will be a great inspiration for the young people of Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team will reach the semi-finals for the first time,” Rashid said at the post-match press conference.
“And we did that at under-19 level, but at this level we haven’t done that. Even the Super Eight was a first for us and then the semi-finals,” she added.
Moments after the victory, images of jubilant fans celebrating Afghanistan’s historic achievement began to circulate on social media.
With this feat, Afghanistan showed how far it has advanced in white-ball formats. In last year’s ODI World Cup, they defeated defending champions England and former winners Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They continue their mammoth run in the T20 World Cup after defeating heavyweights New Zealand and Australia.
“The cricket we’ve played throughout the tournament so far – I think we deserve to be in the semi-finals. The way everyone took responsibility to come into the game and perform at their best for the team,” Rashid said.
“So I don’t know how I can describe how I feel, but it’s a huge achievement for us as a team and as a nation to be in the semi-finals and now looking forward to the semi-finals.” The Afghanistan national cricket team is a group of individuals who have honed their skills by playing in T20 leagues across the world. But when they come together to play for their country, it’s hard to find a more passionate group.
Afghanistan have found the perfect coach in former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who balances things with his calm and collected demeanor.
The result is a heightened side of self-confidence.
“For me, there is no such thing as a good team and a bad team. Each team is equal to each other. As long as on one day, we make the right decision at the right time, and that’s where the difference comes. Other than that, skill-wise, everyone is equal, I think,” said Rashid.
A moving speech from the Afghanistan captain.
– RASHID KHAN IS THE IN T20I. pic.twitter.com/Q9DDafG8sL
– João. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 25, 2024
An undefeated South African team awaits them in the semi-final. But the Proteas were hampered a few times in the tournament, particularly by minnows Nepal, who stumbled in the final stages, losing by one run.
“Well, you always have that kind of inspiration for any team you watch on TV and those little totals are defended, they give you a lot of things to learn and definitely Nepal’s performance throughout the competition was something nice to see. .” “They played great cricket against every team they played. And that’s how T20 works. time and we’re making sure we keep things simple.”
There was a moment during the game against Bangladesh when Gulbadin Naib fell dramatically onto his back, clutching his thigh after Trott signaled his players to slow down. But minutes later, not only did the all-rounder return to the field but he also hit the wicket of Tanzim Hasan, causing several former players and commentators to question the genuineness of his discomfort.
But Rashid thought of downplaying the incident.
“Well, he had some cramps, I don’t know what happened to him and I don’t know what’s going on on social media, but that doesn’t matter – it’s just the final pitch injury coming up and then we don’t have it. I lost some balance, the rain came and we just left, it’s not something that made a big difference in the game.
“We got back on the field after five minutes and there wasn’t a big difference. For me, it’s like a little injury happened, so you need some time.”
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