Rashid Khan Credits Domestic and Franchise Cricket Experience For T20 World Cup Success

June 14, 2024 0 814

Afghanistan’s skipper, Rashid Khan, praised franchise cricket for giving his players experience with various conditions, crediting it for their success in the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan’s skipper, Rashid Khan, lauded his team’s experience in domestic and franchise cricket after they secured a convincing win against Papua New Guinea and a place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.

This victory marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive win in the group stage, solidifying their position as the second team from Group C to advance, following the co-hosts, the West Indies.

Khan also praised his players’ adaptability, evident in their dominant performance against Papua New Guinea. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Afghanistan bundled out PNG for 95 runs within 19.5 overs. Pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Naveen-ul-Haq chipped in with two scalps.

In reply, Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably with 29 balls to spare. Gulbadin Naib anchored the chase with an unbeaten 49-run knock.

“The openers have provided us with excellent starts in the last two games, and today was a chance for the other batsmen to spend some time in the middle. We had a strong domestic competition before coming here, and everyone is in good form,” Rashid said in the post-match presentation.

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Khan further highlighted the benefits of the franchise cricket experience, particularly for players familiar with the Caribbean pitches. “That’s the beauty of playing franchise cricket. The players get to know the conditions. Some of them have played at St. Lucia before and can share their knowledge with the others. This experience helps everyone develop the skills to adjust to any condition,” he explained, expressing optimism for their upcoming clash against the West Indies.

Reaching the Super Eight stage is a testament to the team’s collective effort, according to the star spinner. “It’s a great feeling to qualify for the next round. The boys have put in a tremendous effort since the first game. They understand their roles and have executed them brilliantly, making my job easier as captain,” he said. Afghanistan will face the West Indies in their final Group C match on June 17th in Tarouba.