SHARJAH: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan lauded bowlers for their performance in an 18-run victory over Pakistan in the fourth fixture of the tri-series clash here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Afghanistan outperformed Pakistan by limiting them to a score of 151 for 9 in 20 overs. Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi picked up two scalps each to seal a thrilling win for the side.
In the batting department, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran starred again. The pair put on a mammoth 113-run stand for the second wicket, with both registering half-centuries to set up Afghanistan’s total.
After the match, Rashid Khan reflected on the importance of the team combination and bench strength.
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“If you bowl in the right areas and with the bowling we have, it is manageable and defendable. That is a kind of tactic.
We have that bench strength. It is not just about the playing eleven. Whoever gets the opportunity can do the job. We decide based on the opposition and who might be useful on that wicket,” he said on the playing combination.
He praised Atal and Zadran for their valuable contributions, stating that they are just on the beginning of their journey.
“Two great players, just the beginning for them. The way they are taking responsibility and reading conditions, they are doing it so well. They understand if we can keep wickets, we can score maximum runs,” Rashid explained.
The all-rounder also emphasized his batting order, noting that he wants to give his batters ample opportunity ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
That is something which I have been hearing a lot. Last four overs, I feel I can go . But most of the batters, they have not batted much, so give them an opportunity where they can hit a couple of shots and get confidence. That confidence is needed, so I try my best to go lower in the order,” he concluded.
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