There is no opportunity to underestimate Afghanistan in any continental or ICC mega event. Rashid and Gurbaj have established that position in the field. However, they have suffered a disappointing exit from the group stage in this year’s Asia Cup. After that, they have admitted the mistakes behind the loss to Sri Lanka, and Rashid Khan has also expressed regret about the Bangladesh match.
Afghanistan, who came out to bat first at the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday (Thursday), set a challenging total of 169 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Mohammad Nabi scored the highest score of 60 runs for the team in just 22 balls. In reply, Kusal Mendis stormed. He took all the limelight with an unbeaten innings of 74 runs from 52 balls. He also ensured the team’s victory. Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets with 8 balls in hand. With this, the team remained unbeaten in the group stage.
Although the end of the batting was desired, Afghan captain Rashid feels that their bowling did not meet expectations, ‘The way we finished the innings is very special. We knew that the spinners had one over left, and if a good batter was there at that time, they have a chance to do something big. However, we did not bowl well, which is why we could not win the match. This is not a spinning wicket, it is different from Dubai. “If you play good cricketing shots, it is possible to chase 170-180 runs.”
Afghanistan’s path to the Super Four became difficult after losing to Bangladesh in the previous match. However, they could not reach the target of 155 runs that day. After confirming their exit from the Asia Cup, Rashid regretted that match, “We had a big chance in the last match, but we could not chase 150 (originally 155) runs. This happens in T20 cricket. But we have to move forward so that the same mistake is not repeated.”
The rise of the Afghanistan cricket team in recent years has been remarkable. This time too, the team came out with full preparation. However, Rashid Khan is naturally disappointed that they could not meet expectations, “We have played many ICC events and Asia Cups in the last three years. There was good preparation in each tournament, but the expectations were even higher for my teammates. Leaving in this position is unexpected.”
“We played in the semi-finals of the last T20 World Cup, and here too (in the Asia Cup) we had hopes of at least going to the next round. We will think about our mistakes, analyze them and come back stronger,” added the star all-rounder.
The Afghans started this Asia Cup with a big win against Hong Kong. Which also put them far ahead in net run rate. As a result, even if they got the same 4 points as Bangladesh, Rashid’s team would have been assured of a Super Four berth. But Afghanistan’s Asia Cup journey came to an end here after losing two consecutive matches.
FAQ
What did Rashid Khan say after Afghanistan’s Asia Cup exit?
Rashid admitted mistakes in bowling and batting and said the team must learn and come back stronger in future tournaments.
Which match ended Afghanistan’s chances of reaching the Super Four?
Afghanistan’s loss to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi sealed their exit after they had already been beaten by Bangladesh.
What regret did Rashid Khan mention about the Bangladesh match?
Rashid regretted not being able to chase 155 runs, saying it was a big missed opportunity for Afghanistan.
How did Rashid assess Afghanistan’s overall performance?
He felt the team had good preparation and high expectations but underperformed, especially in crucial moments with the ball.
