Rashid Khan opens up after crushing semi-final defeat against South Africa

TOROUBA: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has opened up after the crushing defeat against South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here on Wednesday.

Afghanistan, playing their first-ever semi-final of a World Cup in any format, bundled for a meagre 56 runs in the first innings and succumbed to a humiliating nine-wicket against South Africa.

Rashid Khan acknowledged the shortcomings in the semi-final, however, he expressed satisfaction over the team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially the pace bowlers.

“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn’t allow us to do what we wanted. That’s how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” the leg-spinner stated after the match.

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“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.”

The 25-year-old further reflected on the lessons Afghanistan learned during their T20 World Cup 2024 and stated that they have the self-belief to defeat any team.

“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,” he added.

“We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations.”

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