(Credit ACB)
Ahead of their T20 World Cup 2024 curtain-raiser versus Uganda, captain Rashid Khan expressed his belief in Afghanistan’s batting prowess, stating that their ability to chase a 200-run target in a T20I is now well within reach. The team showcased maturity in their comprehensive victory against Scotland during a practice match in Trinidad, displaying excellence across all aspects of the game.
“In the past, we were struggling a little bit in the batting area. Earlier our bowlers would do a lot more and help us win the games. Later, we got those young batters, especially from the Under-19 cricket, and the way they came up to the national side, and the way they have worked hard, they got the opportunity to play for Afghanistan at a very young age and then start exploring all around the world, playing leagues where they got better and better,” Rashid said on the eve of Afghanistan’s tournament opener against Uganda.
“I think we have that kind of batting line-up where we can say it’s fine if there is a target of 200 as well on a wicket. We have that kind of ability and skills and talent that we can express on the ground and chase that. T20 cricket is all about the mindset. As long as you have the right mindset, and you have the belief that we can do, anything is possible.
“The other thing is the actual cricket. I think we have played enough cricket in the past couple of years where our skills have got better and better. And we have been challenging the opposition,” he added.
In Group C of the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan is joined by West Indies, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. The top two teams from this group will progress to the Super 8s stage, with many experts tipping Afghanistan as strong contenders for one of those coveted spots.
Rashid acknowledged the growing expectations and said, “Yeah, a few people have mentioned Afghanistan is going to be there for semis. We take that as a very positive sign. Earlier, it used to be hard for us to even qualify. And now to be nominated to be there in the top four, I think it’s a big thing for us,” he said.
However, Rashid emphasises that the team is not getting carried away. Their focus remains on the present, taking each game as it comes. “It’s all about how we’re going to be there on the ground, delivering. We were very nearly in the last [ODI] World Cup semis as well. We were just one game away from being in the semis and that’s where I feel the belief started that nothing is impossible for us as a team.”
Afghanistan’s early arrival in the Caribbean and their two-week training camp have been vital in their preparation for the T20 World Cup. Rashid praised the valuable experience several players gained while competing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
“Well, I think preparation has been great so far. A couple of weeks back, we had a domestic T20 competition, which really helped the guys to get the kind of preparation they need as a player and as a team. And then we were here two weeks earlier as well. So we got the preparation we wanted as a team.”
