Reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time was a historic achievement for the Afghanistan cricket team, but it ended in a crushing defeat. Reflecting on the loss, captain Rashid Khan emphasized that the team is in a learning phase and promised a stronger comeback.
In the semi-final match, Afghanistan’s batting lineup struggled significantly, leading to their downfall. Rashid Khan acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “It is very difficult for us as a team. We probably could have done better. But circumstances did not allow us to do as we wanted. T20 cricket is like that. You have to be prepared for all situations.”
He praised the opposing bowlers and highlighted Afghanistan’s positive aspects during the tournament. “I think they bowled really well. Our team performed well in this tournament. Our fast bowlers did really well. You need a good start. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury. But our fast bowlers bowled a good spell. This made the work of the spinners easier. We enjoyed the tournament,” said Rashid Khan.
Despite the defeat, Rashid Khan remains optimistic about the team’s future. “We will accept playing in the semi-finals and losing to a top team like South Africa. This is just the beginning for us. We have the confidence to beat any side. We just need to continue our processes. It is a great learning experience for us. We know we have the skills, it’s just about handling tough situations, pressure situations. We have some more work to do. The middle order has to be made stronger,” he added.
Rashid Khan concluded with a promise of resilience and improvement. “We have achieved good results so far. But we will come back by working harder,” he said, expressing confidence in Afghanistan’s potential for future success.
