Afghanistan cricket team's dream run in the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 came to an end with a heartbreaking 9-wicket loss against South Africa in the first semi-final which was being played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, on June 27 (Thursday). The Afghan captain Rashid Khan opened up after the big defeat and said they could have done better but were also happy with the way they have performed in this mega tournament and for reaching this stage of the competition.
Rashid Khan on loss in the semi-final
Rashid Khan highlighted their drawbacks but also praised his players for rising up and giving their best performances. He also said that they will work more on their batting department and this is just the beginning for their team.
"It was tough, 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. I think they bowled really well. 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. We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa," said Rashid in the post-match presentation.
“It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. 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 sitautions. Some work to be done, specially in the middle order to take the innings deep. As I said, it is always learning for our team and we have acheived good results so far but we come back doing more hard work, specially in the batting department,” he added.
Proteas qualify for their first World Cup final
South African bowlers dominated Afghanistan. They bowled out the Afghan side on just 56 runs by the 12th over itself. Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi grabbed three wickets each. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje also contributed with two wickets each. Then after a slow start in the chase and losing the wicket of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks took Proteas over the line. This is also the first time that SA have reached the final of an ICC World Cup of any format.
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