Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign ended in a bittersweet manner after they got thrashed in the semifinal against South Africa on Thursday. However, irrespective of the semifinal loss the side has been impressive throughout the tournament. On their way to the semifinal, they registered thumping wins over New Zealand and Australia who were considered favourites of the side ahead of the tournament.
After their exit Skipper Rashid Khan took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote a heartfelt message. “We will always remember this #T20WorldCup!” The fight put ahead by everyone on this team is commendable and I’m proud of all of us! We will continue to build from here and come with more grit in the next one Thank you to everyone who believed in us and helped us to keep the fight on.”
In many ways, Afghanistan’s cricketing journey is Rashid’s journey, intertwined and inseparable. You tell his story, you are telling the story of his country’s stirring cricketing journey too. He is his country’s cricketing icon and identity, he defines his country’s cricketing ethos; he defines their World Cup dream run.
We will always remember this #T20WorldCup !
The fight put ahead by each and every one of this team is commendable and I’m really proud of all of us! 🇦🇫
We will continue to build from here and comeback with more grit in the next one 💪
Thank you to each and everyone who… pic.twitter.com/MbzdTSlROR
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) June 27, 2024
Tough build up
Playing an important semi-final just 48 hours after a historic night at St Vincent seemed too much for Afghanistan. After a four-hour flight delay, they arrived at Trinidad only on the eve of the game, leaving them with no real chance of having a practice session to even access the conditions at this new stadium, which sits on the skirts of Port of Spain.
Given all of this in the backdrop, fielding first could have helped Afghanistan calm their nerves, particularly if one considers the struggles of the South African batsmen against their spinners. But, having won four of their five matches at this World Cup while batting first, it was entirely possible that Afghanistan wanted to be in the comfort zone of defending a total. It is what their spinners relish, especially on decks where there is assistance of the bowlers.
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