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Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif weighed in on Afghanistan’s prospects in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. According to him, the team led by Rashid Khan stands as the top contender to clinch the title, particularly given their adeptness in Caribbean conditions.
Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, Afghanistan has made a resounding statement in the tournament, showcasing remarkable performances that have caught the attention of their competitors. The team remains undefeated, securing victories against Uganda and New Zealand in Guyana, followed by a win over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad. This string of victories has propelled them to the Super 8 stage, where they find themselves in Group 1 alongside India and Australia.
Afghanistan’s flawless performance in the tournament is attributed to their proficient batting lineup and a formidable bowling attack comprising both pacers and spinners. Mohammad Kaif emphasized that the conditions in the West Indies suit Afghanistan’s playing style, making them the favorites to emerge victorious in the competition. In an interview with Star Sports, he elaborated on Afghanistan’s strengths and their potential to dominate in the tournament.
“Afghanistan is in good form. Their bowling is in form, where Fazalhaq Farooqi has even picked up a five-wicket haul and Rashid Khan is in form. If we talk about the two openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, they are in great form. Afghanistan are top contenders to win the World Cup in these conditions,
“They are playing all their matches here (in the West Indies). They didn’t go to the USA at all. Spending two or three weeks there, they exactly know how to bowl and bat on which pitch. They have got an idea of the conditions and their players have form.”
Mohammad Kaif says “If their batting keeps working properly, it will be difficult to beat Afghanistan
Mohammad Kaif emphasized the importance of consistency in Afghanistan’s batting performance, highlighting his confidence in Rahmanullah Gurbaz to provide the team with solid starts. He also commended skipper Rashid Khan and pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi for their outstanding bowling performances, asserting that their contributions could lead Afghanistan to victory in the World Cup. Kaif concluded by stating:
“Their problem was batting. If their batters fire, Gurbaz gives a good start, and runs are put on the board, they have the bowling to beat the greatest of teams on their day. I have spoken about Rashid Khan and we saw Farooqi’s shape and swing. He is in exceptional form.
“If their batting keeps working properly, it will be difficult to beat Afghanistan in such conditions where the pitches are slightly slow and the ball is turning. They can win the World Cup also because they have the team and players in form.”
Afghanistan’s remarkable displays in the T20 World Cup 2024 have effectively ended New Zealand’s journey in the tournament. Their next match will be against West Indies.
