'This is our mindset' - Mohammad Nabi says Afghanistan will stick to 'daring approach' in T20 WC

Afghanistan cricket has been hit with uncertainties owing to the political tension in the country. After the Taliban takeover, there were talks of the team being banned from the T20 World Cup if women are not allowed to play in the nation. Their ace spinner Rashid Khan stepped down as team’s captain, with Mohammad Nabi taking the responsibility of the side.

The team was then struck with visa issues ahead of the marquee event. However, Nabi has now stated that the team is all prepping up for the World Cup keeping aside all the political turmoil. In the T20 format, Afghanistan has won 12 consecutive matches in 2018-19 which is the most by any team. The team also holds the record of highest T20I total of 278-3 which they scored against Ireland at Dehradun in 2019.

Afghanistan’s opener Hazratullah Zazai, who is currently part of the side for the high-profile event, is known for his batting exploits. He hit 16 sixes in his innings of 162 not out which is the second-highest individual score behind Australia’s Aaron Finch’s 172.

Nabi spoke about their game and stated that their approach is always to play daringly. He also expressed his excitement about captaining the side for the tournament. Along with Rashid Khan, Nabi was a part of the SRH team and was already in the UAE for the IPL.

I am really excited to play as a captain: Mohammad Nabi

“The team is brilliant, they have been preparing for the last one and a half months. There was a little bit of a struggle on visas, so they didn’t arrive in the UAE early. They were practicing in Qatar. He (Flower) is a great coach and also a great mentor for every player. He knows a lot about the pitches in UAE.

This is our mindset to always play daringly. We have the same approach in bowling, whether they are fast bowlers or spinners. Yeah, it’s (captaincy) a tough job but I will try my best to lead the team in the World Cup and perform well in the tournament. I am really excited to play as a captain in this event,” Nabi said as reported by cricket.com.