Afghanistan ‘future’s bright’ after memorable World Cup,
Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten 76 guided South Africa to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their final World Cup group game, eliminating Afghanistan from the semi-final race.
Van der Dussen’s innings propelled the Proteas to the target of 245 with 15 balls to spare, providing a tune-up for their upcoming semi-final against Australia.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 97 led Afghanistan to a total of 244 all out. Despite needing an unlikely 438-run win to secure a semi-final spot, Afghanistan put up a competitive fight.
In response, Afghanistan’s spinners initially disrupted South Africa’s progress, but Van der Dussen anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships. A hamstring concern for skipper Temba Bavuma raised worries ahead of the semi-final.
Gerald Coetzee and Keshav Maharaj starred for South Africa with the ball, while Quinton de Kock’s wicketkeeping prowess equaled a World Cup record.
Afghanistan’s strong campaign, including victories over defending champions England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands, came to an end under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi. New Zealand are poised to face hosts India in the other semi-final, pending the outcome of Pakistan’s match against England.
Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott on Friday said the “future is bright” for his team after enjoying their most successful World Cup.
Afghanistan’s campaign finished in a five-wicket loss to South Africa which ended their slim hopes of making the semi-finals.
Needing to win the game by a mammoth 438 runs to stay in contention, Afghanistan were 244 all out with Azmatullah Omarzai top scoring on 97 before the Proteas, already assured of a semi-final place, chased down the target with 15 balls to spare.
But the team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, had definite highs in the tournament with two of their four wins coming against defending champions England and former winners Pakistan.
“I had confidence in the players, but sometimes until somebody does it or they do it themselves, you’re never quite sure,” Trott, a former England batsman, told reporters.
“I said numerous times before the tournament that we just need to win a couple of games to get that belief and the buzz around the side…We’ve won games and found ways to win games.”
Known for their world class spin attack including Rashid Khan, who claimed a team-best 11 wickets, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan saw their batsmen make an impact as well.
Ibrahim Zadran became the first Afghan to hit a World Cup century albeit in the heartbreaking defeat against Australia.
Zadran ended the tournament as his side’s top scorer with 376 runs and an average of 47. That is enough to give him a spot in the current top 10 of run-makers at this World Cup, a list dominated by players from India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
“Normally, with the side, you’d say bowling would be the strength,” said Trott.
“But to be able to knock off targets in pretty comfortable and responsible fashion shows that we’re not sort of one way inclined to win cricket games.”
Teenage wrist spinner Noor Ahmad and fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq also made their presence felt in the team.
“There’s certainly a bigger pool than in the past to be able to select from, or certainly experienced players or well-known names to be able to call upon, like Naveen coming in and playing ODI cricket,” said Trott.
“The future’s bright, it’s our job as a side and us as management coaches to make sure we nurture that and make sure that we’re going in the right direction.”
Afghanistan also defeated former champions Sri Lanka and the Netherlands at the tournament but their biggest celebration came with the Pakistan triumph.
Many of the Afghanistan players learnt their cricket in refugee camps in Pakistan and to beat them was a huge achievement especially at a time of strained political relations between the two neighbours.
Until this World Cup, Afghanistan had only won one match across two editions. In 2019, they lost all nine games they played.
“There have been tough, testing times for sure, but these four wins in this World Cup, the joy on their faces beating Pakistan for the first time, that makes everything worthwhile,” said Trott.
“So that’s really a moment I won’t forget along with a lot of the other guys as well.”
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.