ZCZC
BSP-10
CRICKET-RASHID-AFG
Natural talent in abundance makes Afghans a force
DHAKA, SepT 24, 2019 (BSS)-There was no surprise in Afghanistan’s
success in the Twenty20 format as they remained favourites always to play the
final of the Tri-nation T20 series in Bangladesh but what caught the
attention is their surprising rise in Test format.
Most of the Afghan players play the T20 format well and some of their
players like captain Rashid Khan, young off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and all-
rounder Mohammad Nabi are regular features in IPL. So they know the T20
cricket more than others.
But when they thrived in Test format in Bangladesh, it showed how
planned way they are trying to achieve their goal.
For a war-torn nation, who even hasn’t the privilege to play at their
own country, it is something that really leaves people awestruck. Afghanistan
have adopted venue in India’s Dehradun where they play International cricket
but back in Afghanistan they made cricket huge popular.
Rashid and company’s success in Bangladesh is outstanding. Nobody
counted them in Test cricket but they grabbed a crushing 224-run win against
Bangladesh in one-off Test. Even though they lost the last two matches in T20
format before the final, no one dares to tag them as bad team in this format.
According to Rashid Khan said they are blessed to have natural talents
which made their task easier across format.
“It is just about how they love the game. The natural talents are there.
I think most of the countries do not have it (natural talents). We don’t have
facilities, we don’t have the grounds there (in Afghanistan). But the natural
talents are coming (to fore). They are (current team) playing well batting
wise, bowling wise; they are playing natural game. So right now, we have more
academies. Young players are getting more facilities now. The main reason
behind it the natural game of the guys, and their passion to do well,” Rashid
said.
And he believes that they have so many positive things to take from
Bangladesh.
“We have so many positive things, we will take so many positives from
here. Especially, Ibrahim (Zadaran) the debut guy played really well, we are
pretty happy for Rahmat Shah who hit maiden Test ton for Afghanistan. Asghar
Afghan had also a good contribution in that (Test). So many positives to take
from- Qais Ahmed had a good debut, Zaheer Khan had debuted as well. In T20Is,
Rahmanullah Gurbaz came in and played well. In the last three games, he
displayed his talent. Fareed Malik the left-arm fast bowler also did well.
Naveen Ul Haque, played the last game, against Bangladesh, he did well. He is
not just a good bowler. He is a good fielder as well.”
“I think we have a totally different team in T20Is than the Test. Nabi
and Asghar played Test and T20Is (together). I think they have played enough
cricket. They know how to switch to T20Is from Test. As an international
cricketer, you have to adapt to the situation. We have different guys for
T20Is. They had a good camp in the home. For Test, we had a good camp in
Dubai. As a captain, it is easier for me. It is good to have a different team
for the different formats. As a captain, I am quite happy to have them.”
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