'He had some cramp... don't know what's going on social media': Rashid Khan defends Gulbadin Naib's alleged fake injury

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan defended his teammate Gulbadin Naib for allegedly faking the injury immediately after head coach Jonathan Trott asked the players to slow it down because they were ahead of Bangladesh as per DLS score. With rain approaching, Trott did not want to risk Afghanistan conceding extra runs and lose the match. After Afghanistan’s historic eight-run win by DLS method to beat Bangladesh and reach T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal, Rashid was asked about Naib’s injury and what has been said on social media. Rashid defended his former captain Naib. 
 

"Well, I think he had some cramp. I don't know what happened to him. I don't know what's going on on social media. But, that doesn't matter. It's just an on-field injury. We didn't lose any overs, rain came, and we just went off (the field). It's not something that made any massive difference in the game. We came back on to the field in 5 minutes, and there was no massive difference. For me, it was just an injury and needed some time," Rashid said in the post-match press conference.

Naib had received medical attention while covers were being brought on to the field. He limped off the field with the help of teammate Naveen-ul-Haq and the team physio. 

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After the rain break, Naib returned to the field. He was introduced into the attack in the 15th over. The in-form pacer delivered with the wicket of Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He conceded just two runs from the over. In the next over, only four runs were scored including a single via leg byes.

ALSO READ: Former Sri Lankan player awards fielding medal, players chant T Dilip's unsung hero's name in the dressing room
 

Rashid thanks Lara for believing in Afghanistan

After the win, Rashid also revealed that only one legendary player outside their dressing room believed in them to make it to the last four. He recalled his conversation with former West Indies captain Brian Lara who predicted that Afghanistan will reach the semifinals.
 

“The only guy who put us in the semifinal was Brian Lara and we proved that right. Before the competition at the welcome party, I told him, 'We won't let you down. We'll make it through and prove you're right.' I am proud of this team,” Rashid said in the post-match presentation. 
 

Coincidentally, Afghanistan will face an unbeaten South Africa in the first semifinal in Trinidad in a stadium named after Lara. 
 

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