Cricket

Afghanistan's T20I captain, Rashid Khan, has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to human rights concerns. While acknowledging that sports should bring people together, Rashid emphasized that cricket is not the solution to political issues."We are sportsmen, and we love sports," Rashid said. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home. If we keep that source away from us, I don't know where Afghanistan will remain."Rashid stressed that Afghanistan's cricketers are eager to play against any side, but they have no control over political decisions. "Some things are not under the control of anyone in cricket," he said. "Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy."Rashid's comments come after Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan earlier this year. The decision was made due to "a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls" in Afghanistan.Rashid had initially threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 in protest, but he later softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts. However, he was forced to miss the tournament through injury.Despite the disappointment, Rashid reiterated that Afghanistan's cricketers are grateful for the support they have received from fans around the world. "I have received so much love from everyone," he said. "Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there."Rashid emphasized that cricket should not be used as a political tool. "Cricket is not the solution for politics," he said. "If there is another solution, you can take that. But don't think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that."

Afghanistan's historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup has ignited a surge of pride and joy among the nation's cricket fans. Skipper Rashid Khan hailed the triumph as a "massive" moment, marking a significant milestone in the team's journey.The victory was particularly poignant as it came after a period of setbacks for Afghanistan. In recent years, the team had struggled to find consistent success on the international stage. However, the T20 World Cup has provided a platform for them to showcase their talent and determination.Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid the foundation for Afghanistan's victory with impressive half-centuries. Their aggressive batting set the tone for the match, putting pressure on the Australian bowlers. However, it was the all-rounders who ultimately sealed the deal.Gulabdin Naib emerged as the star performer with a career-best bowling figure of 4/20. His accurate spin and clever variations proved too much for the Australian batsmen. Naib's performance highlighted the depth and versatility of Afghanistan's squad, which boasts several players capable of contributing with both bat and ball.Rashid Khan praised Naib's contribution, acknowledging the experience and skill he brought to the team. He also emphasized the importance of the victory for Afghanistan's cricket community, both at home and abroad."It's so important for us back home and around the world," said Rashid. "I'm sure they're proud and would've enjoyed the game."Naib, who was named Player of the Match, echoed Rashid's sentiments. He expressed his gratitude for the team's hard work and dedication, and vowed to continue their journey with the same determination."We beat Australia at last! It is a great achievement for Afghanistan cricket," said Naib. "We played great cricket in the last World Cup, and this year we beat New Zealand in the group stage. Our journey starts now."Australia's skipper, Mitchell Marsh, acknowledged that his team had an off day. He praised Afghanistan's performance and expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back."They probably got 20 too many. Lot of teams have bowled first in this tournament. Don't think it was won or lost at the toss. We had an off night on the field," said Marsh. "Wasn't the easiest of wickets but both teams played on it. As I said, we got outplayed today. We just need to win and there's no better team to do it against."Afghanistan's victory has sent shockwaves through the T20 World Cup and has established them as a force to be reckoned with. The team's combination of talent, determination, and all-round ability makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

After a match-winning knock of 53 off 28 against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match, India batter Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, calling him the world's best bowler. During his 53-run innings, Suryakumar hit 16 runs off the six deliveries he faced from Rashid, helping India reach a winning total of 181/8 at the Kensington Oval on Thursday night.Speaking after the match, the world no.1 T20I batter emphasized the importance of asserting dominance against a player he regards as the world's best bowler. "I have told this before as well and I'll say that again on air when he bowls, it's very difficult to pick him so I know what shots I want to play when I'm inside. Best bowler in the world. You can't let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead. But I am happy to be on a better side today," said Suryakumar.Batting first, India were 79/3 after 10 overs, having lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. But Suryakumar's partnership with Hardik Pandya got them back on track, leading to a solid first-innings score of 181/8. In their response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, thanks to an exceptional spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 3-7, as India sealed a 47-run win.For his match-defining knock, Suryakumar was adjudged Player of the Match. Speaking about his performance, the batter said, "I think there's a lot of hard work and practice gone behind this. And as I say again and again, there's a lot of process and routines involved and when I go inside, when I play the game, I know I'm pretty clear in my mind what I want to do. Really happy with the way things went. And yeah, the first batter to get better of the match, hopefully the first of many.""I still remember when Hardik came into bat, I told him the same thing. Let's keep back with the same intent. Let's not leave too much to the end because in the end, it was definitely going to be a difficult thing to do with the ball getting old, reversing and all. So, I said let's keep pressing the pedal and see where we get in the end of 16 overs. But yeah, very happy with the way we got 180 on the board," he added.When asked about the adjustments needed after playing on challenging pitches in the USA and then moving to the Caribbean, the 33-year-old responded, "I think you just need to know what the game plan is. You practice accordingly when you get a few practice sessions and just know your game and when you go inside give the team fast what the team requires on that given day. Just, just be that way when you look at how the."

Afghanistan vs Australia: Maxwell's Return and the Battle of the SpinnersThe highly anticipated clash between Afghanistan and Australia in Kingstown promises to be a captivating encounter, with all eyes on Glenn Maxwell's return to form. In their previous encounter, Maxwell's heroics propelled Australia to victory, and he will be eager to make a similar impact against Afghanistan's formidable spin attack.Afghanistan's middle order has struggled in this tournament, striking at a rate of less than 100, while Australia's middle order has been in impressive form, striking at 168.09. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar could pose a significant threat to Afghanistan's batters on the spin-friendly Kingstown pitch.Naveen-ul-Haq will be Afghanistan's key weapon against Australia's power-hitters, while Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Maxwell will look to exploit Afghanistan's weaknesses. David has a strong head-to-head record against both Naveen and Rashid Khan.Australia may consider bringing back Agar to bolster their spin attack, while Afghanistan is likely to retain Hazratullah Zazai despite his recent struggles.The pitch in Kingstown has favored spinners, with 22 wickets taken at an economy rate of 5.64 in six innings. Rashid Khan and Zampa, two of the world's best T20 wristspinners, will be the key players to watch.

Afghanistan's remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup has been a testament to their growing prowess in the shortest format of the game. After a stunning victory over New Zealand, the Afghans find themselves atop both the leading run-scorers' and wicket-takers' charts, a testament to their all-round strength.Fazalhaq Farooqi, a 23-year-old left-arm quick, has emerged as a key figure for Afghanistan. With 12 wickets in four matches, he has been the tournament's most prolific wicket-taker, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and generate pace. His performance against New Zealand, where he claimed three early wickets, was instrumental in Afghanistan's 84-run victory.Afghanistan's batting has also been impressive, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the way. The fearless opener has amassed 167 runs, including a blistering 80 against New Zealand. His aggressive approach and ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him a dangerous force at the top of the order.The emergence of Gurbaz and Farooqi has complemented Afghanistan's traditional strength in spin bowling. Rashid Khan, the talismanic captain, and Mohammad Nabi have been their usual reliable selves, while Noor Ahmed has shown promise as a rising star.Afghanistan's success is not merely a matter of individual brilliance. Under the guidance of former England batter Jonathan Trott, the team has developed a collective mindset and a belief in their own abilities. They have shed their underdog status and are now seen as a genuine threat to the established cricketing nations.The Afghans' performance in the Super Eight stage will be a true test of their mettle. They face formidable opponents in India, Australia, and Bangladesh, but they will be confident of making a strong push for a semifinal berth.

India vs Afghanistan: A Clash of Titans in the Super EightThe highly anticipated clash between India and Afghanistan in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams possess formidable strengths and will be eager to secure a victory that could propel them towards the semifinals.Afghanistan's Bowling ProwessAfghanistan's bowling attack is their primary weapon. Led by the enigmatic Rashid Khan, they have a lineup capable of troubling even the most experienced batters. Fazalhaq Farooqi, with his left-arm angle and new-ball swing, will be crucial in removing India's top order.India's Batting DepthIndia, on the other hand, boasts a formidable batting lineup anchored by the experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Afghanistan's bowling will test their mettle. If India can overcome the early challenge posed by Farooqi, they will need to find a way to counter Rashid's spin wizardry.Suryakumar Yadav: India's Trump CardSuryakumar Yadav has been a thorn in Rashid's side in T20 cricket, scoring runs at a blistering pace. His ability to dominate spin bowling could prove decisive for India. Shivam Dube, another left-handed batter, has also enjoyed success against Rashid.Afghanistan's Batting ChallengeWhile Afghanistan's bowling is their strength, their batting will need to step up against India's quality attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with his aggressive style, could be a key player for Afghanistan. However, India's left-arm spinners, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, could pose a significant threat to their top order.Pitch and ConditionsThe match will be played at Bridgetown, which has offered decent batting conditions. The weather is expected to be favorable, providing both teams with an opportunity to showcase their skills.Stats and Trivia* Afghanistan has never defeated India in any format.* Gurbaz and Farooqi are the highest scorer and wicket-taker, respectively, in the T20 World Cup 2024.* India has faced Rashid only twice in T20Is, scoring 69 runs without losing a wicket.

Afghanistan's Spin Prowess Poses Threat to India in T20 World Cup Super 8sAs the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 enters its crucial Super 8s stage, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued a stern warning to Rohit Sharma-led Team India about the formidable challenge posed by Afghanistan.Afghanistan has defied expectations, securing a spot in the Super 8s by defeating Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea in succession. Despite a heavy 104-run loss to West Indies, the Rashid Khan-led side remains confident as they prepare to face India, Australia, and Bangladesh in the next phase of the tournament.Harbhajan Singh, speaking to Star Sports, lauded Afghanistan's spin attack, describing it as "the best in this tournament" and highlighting the potential threat it poses to India. "They (Afghanistan) are a very good team. From the graph we've seen, they've risen significantly in a short period of time. They have Rashid Khan and Nabi. Their spinners are probably the best in this tournament. Their batting is strong; they don't just play fluke shots or get out playing reckless shots. They now have experience after playing in the ODI World Cup. They almost defeated Australia," Harbhajan remarked.Harbhajan emphasized that Afghanistan should not be underestimated, particularly in crucial moments. "This team has strength and can defeat any big team. And when they play against India, they shouldn't be underestimated because if they win the toss and a few things go in their favour, (toh lene ke dene pad sakte hain) it could be challenging," he added, underscoring Afghanistan's potential to cause upsets.India, led by Rohit Sharma, are set to face Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, followed by matches against Bangladesh on June 22 in Antigua and Australia on June 24 in St. Lucia.Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been remarkable. They have consistently punched above their weight, challenging established teams and proving their mettle on the global stage. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, is a formidable force, capable of bamboozling even the most experienced batsmen.India, on the other hand, will be keen to prove their dominance in the Super 8s. They have a well-balanced team with a potent batting lineup and a solid bowling attack. However, they cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly, especially considering their recent performances.The clash between India and Afghanistan on June 20 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Afghanistan will be determined to prove their worth against one of the tournament favorites, while India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings and the eventual outcome of the tournament.

West Indies and Afghanistan Clash in Battle of UnbeatensGros Islet, St. Lucia - The highly anticipated clash between West Indies and Afghanistan on Tuesday promises to be a thrilling encounter, despite having no bearing on the Super Eight standings. Both teams have enjoyed unbeaten runs thus far, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum heading into the crucial knockout stages.West Indies, known for their explosive batting lineup, will be led by Rovman Powell, who has yet to fully ignite in this tournament. However, the presence of Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, and Andre Russell provides the hosts with a formidable batting arsenal. Their bowling attack, anchored by Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph, has also been impressive.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their spin wizard Rashid Khan, who has been in excellent form with six wickets in the middle overs. Their batting lineup, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has also shown promise.The pitch at Gros Islet has been conducive to high-scoring matches, with teams preferring to bowl first after winning the toss. However, the windy conditions could play a factor in the game.West Indies will be looking to maintain their impressive death-over run rate, while Afghanistan will aim to continue their frugal spin bowling. The match-up between Gurbaz and West Indies' left-arm spinners, Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, will be particularly intriguing.Both teams are expected to field unchanged lineups, with Johnson Charles and Shai Hope vying for a spot in the West Indies batting order. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has emphasized the importance of keeping his players motivated despite the lack of qualification implications.With both teams eager to prove their mettle and build confidence for the Super Eight, the West Indies vs Afghanistan clash promises to be an entertaining and competitive affair.

Afghanistan's impressive run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they have secured a berth in the Super Eight stage, is a testament to the experience gained by their players in domestic and franchise cricket, according to captain Rashid Khan.After registering three consecutive wins in the group stage, Afghanistan became the second team from Group C to advance to the next round, following co-hosts West Indies. Khan praised his team's ability to adapt to different conditions, as evidenced by their seven-wicket victory against Papua New Guinea.Opting to bowl first, Afghanistan restricted PNG to a meager 95 runs in 19.5 overs, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq claiming three and two wickets, respectively. In the chase, Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 49 guided Afghanistan to victory with 29 balls to spare."Our openers have given us solid starts in the last two games, and today was a chance for others to get some time in the middle," Khan said after the match. "We had a domestic competition before coming here, and everyone is in good form."Khan emphasized the importance of franchise cricket experience, which has allowed his players to familiarize themselves with different conditions. "Some of them have played at St Lucia and know how the pitch will play, which helps others," he said. "Everyone has the skill to adjust to any condition."The star spinner attributed Afghanistan's success to the collective efforts of the team. "It's a great feeling to qualify for the next round," he said. "The boys have put in a lot of effort since the first game. They know what they need to do and have executed it beautifully."Khan highlighted the contributions of wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and pacer Farooqi. "It's important to have someone like Gurbaz who can take on the bowling or Farooqi who can pick up wickets in the powerplay," he said. "If the batter is attacking, then as a bowler, you have to attack too, especially with pitches helping you."Afghanistan will face West Indies in their final group stage encounter on June 17 in Tarouba.