T20 World Cup 2024: Rashid Khan optimistic of Afghanistan’s chances, reflects on batting improvement

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is optimistic about their chances at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The star cricketer noted that their batting unit had improved significantly in the last one year and believes that they now have the talent to chase 200 runs in any conditions. Ahead of their opening game against Uganda, Rashid stated that they have recruited players from the U19 team, which played a part in their success in the shortest format.

Rashid addressed that batting used to bother them in the past but explained that the team is now ready for the challenge. The 25-year-old added that after getting an opportunity in the national team, the youngsters played a lot of franchise cricket, which has helped them gain experience and be better players. He is confident that their experience would come in handy in the global tournament. 

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“In the past, we were struggling a little bit in the batting area. Earlier, our bowlers would do a lot more and help us win the games. Later, we got those young batters, especially from the Under-19 cricket, and the way they came up to the national side, and the way they have worked hard, they got the opportunity to play for Afghanistan at a very young age and then start exploring all around the world, playing leagues where they got better and better,” Rashid said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

We have the ability, talent and skill to chase 200: Rashid

The Afghan leader believes that the mindset of the players has changed in recent times and pepped the batters ahead of the mega tournament. He stated that the Afghan batters have the ability, talent and skill to chase big totals and explained that with the right mindset, anything is possible in the shortest format. Rashid also pointed out that in earlier years, the cricket pundits never took Afghanistan seriously in such tournaments, but this time they have nominated them as one of the probables for the semi-final.

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“I think we have that kind of batting line-up where we can say it's fine if there is a target of 200 as well on a wicket. We have that kind of ability and skills and talent that we can express on the ground and chase that. T20 cricket is all about the mindset. As long as you have the right mindset, and you have the belief that we can do, anything is possible,” Rashid said.

“Yeah, a few people have mentioned Afghanistan is going to be there for semis. We take that as a very positive sign. Earlier, it used to be hard for us to even qualify. And now to be nominated to be there in the top four, I think it's a big thing for us,” he added.