We enjoyed this tournament, we will accept playing semi-final and losing to a top side like South Africa: Rashid Khan
“It was tough, tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions did not allow us to do what we wanted," Rashid said.
Afghanistan had a stellar campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024, led by Rashid Khan. The side was placed in Group C of the tournament, alongside the likes of the West Indies and New Zealand. However, through brilliant performances, the team overcame all odds and made it to the Super Eight stage.
Their brilliance did not just stop in the Super Eight. Drawn alongside India and Australia, Afghanistan managed to beat the Aussies and finished in second place in the group, making it to the semi-final of the tournament.
The side faced unbeaten South Africa in the semis, which is where their run ended. Getting bundled out for just 56 runs, Afghanistan failed to defend the meagre total as they lost the game by nine wickets, and South Africa made it to the summit clash.
Speaking of the game and the campaign, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed disappointment in the loss but was happy for the team and their historic campaign in the tournament.
“It was tough, tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions did not allow us to do what we wanted. That is how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions. I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb's injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners,” Rashid Khan said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
We have enjoyed this tournament: Rashid Khan
Furthermore, the ace spinner highlighted how the entire side is very happy with their performance and that they enjoyed playing. However, he also pointed out how there is work to be done in the middle order.
"We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. There is some work to be done, especially in the middle, in order to take the innings deep. As I said, it is always learning for our team, and we have achieved good results so far,” Rashid said.
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