The 2009 champion talked about how cricket has grown in Afghanistan and what it takes to take home the grand prize. Shahid Afridi, a former cricket player for Pakistan, was all praise for Afghanistan after they advanced to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals by defeating Bangladesh.
He claimed that Afghanistan deserves all of their achievements. “It has been amazing to watch Afghanistan’s progress in this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” he stated.
“They deserved to be in the semi-finals for the first time ever. You don’t take a side that wins competitive cricket matches against Australia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh lightly. They have shown excellent cooperation, pressure tolerance, and an optimistic outlook.
Afridi was impressed by the achievements of individuals, particularly their star player Rashid Khan, who, in addition to batting and bowling, has taken on the added role of captaincy in this World Cup.
“Afghanistan has some notable players who have shined in this competition and will play an important role in the semis. “They have excellent match-winners throughout the team. Rashid Khan is leading from the front, and they have an excellent opening duo who have formed incredible partnerships, as well as pacers who bowl with terrific line and length and take crucial wickets”.
“Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer in the competition and Fazalhaq Farooqi has taken more wickets than anybody else – he, Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq have done wonders with the ball.” Rashid Khan is happy of the team’s belief in itself. T20WC 2024 When asked about Afghanistan’s chances of hoisting the trophy, the 2009 World Cup winner had no concerns.
“They should be confident after defeating New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh in a thrilling, low-scoring thriller. If they can do that, they will be able to lift the trophy, which should come as no surprise.
“The ability to deal with stress in high-pressure situations is critical. Players must be positive and focus on one game at a time. Even though it is a team game, when everyone accepts responsibility for performance, the team simply works.
“The key to producing in big games is to control the six inches of space between your ears. The one who can manage his nerves takes the glory.” Afghanistan will meet South Africa in the semi-finals, with both countries looking to reach the final for the first time. Afridi, who was named player of the match in the 2009 semi-final, reflected on the game and discussed South Africa’s strengths.
It’s still fresh in my mind, and remembering it always makes me grin. “It was one of my most memorable performances, with a half-century and two wickets while bowling at four an over, and it helped the team advance to the final, which we won.
“This year’s competition will feature a new finalist, either Afghanistan or South Africa, which is refreshing. “South Africa have match-winners of their own – Quinton de Kock has exhibited some of his brilliant ball-striking skills, while Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have shown great discipline with the ball.” The former all-rounder also discussed the second semi-final between India and England, stating that it will be a wonderful match to witness.
“Rohit Sharma’s innings against Australia was magnificent, and having Virat Kohli on your team always gives you an advantage. “Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav have all performed admirably, while Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler’s exploits have helped England to some impressive victories and a place in the semis. Liam Livingstone can also be an important figure on a big day.”
MT20WC: India against England general, Shahid Afridi expressed his delight at seeing new teams develop and challenge the existing powerhouses, emphasizing how Afghanistan’s performance will contribute to the general evolution of cricket.
“Making it to the World Cup final will benefit not only Afghanistan, but also cricket. It will help promote the great game of cricket in countries that are no longer considered’minnows’, as well as motivate young cricketers to dream big and aid their countries.
“In general, seeing new clubs make it into the top four is fantastic. “The game of cricket wins in that scenario and the ICC has done a remarkable job promoting cricket to new nations and in the United States, which will serve this great game of cricket for generations to come.”
