Rashid Khan Reflects on Afghanistan’s Journey After Loss to South Africa in T20 World Cup Semifinals
Tarouba [Trinidad and Tobago], June 27: Afghanistan’s cricket team, led by Rashid Khan, faced a tough nine-wicket defeat against South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup semifinals. Despite the loss, Rashid expressed pride in the team’s overall performance, highlighting the success of their seamers and spinners.
The inexperience of Afghanistan was evident as their batting line-up collapsed for just 56 runs due to strong bowling from South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Tabraiz Shamsi. South Africa, overcoming a seven-game winless streak in World Cup semifinals, will play either India or England in the final.
Rashid Khan said during the post-match presentation, “It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions did not allow us to do what we wanted. I think they bowled really well. We got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well. We were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball.”
He added, “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. We just need to keep our processes going. This has been a great learning experience for us. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations. There is some work to be done, especially in the middle, in order to take the innings deep.”
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, but Rabada and Jansen quickly reduced them to 28/6. Despite efforts from Karim Janat and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan was all out for 56 runs in 11.5 overs. Shamsi and Jansen were the top bowlers for South Africa.
In the run-chase, South Africa lost de Kock early, but Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram led them to victory in 8.5 overs. With this win, South Africa reached their first-ever final in a World Cup. Jansen was named ‘Player of the Match’.
