Tag: Rashid Khan

TOROUBA: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has opened up after the crushing defeat against South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here on Wednesday.

Afghanistan, playing their first-ever semi-final of a World Cup in any format, bundled for a meagre 56 runs in the first innings and succumbed to a humiliating nine-wicket against South Africa.

Rashid Khan acknowledged the shortcomings in the semi-final, however, he expressed satisfaction over the team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially the pace bowlers.

“It was 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,” the leg-spinner stated after the match.

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“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.”

The 25-year-old further reflected on the lessons Afghanistan learned during their T20 World Cup 2024 and stated that they have the self-belief to defeat any team.

“We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side,” he added.

“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 situations.”

READ: English batter smashes second-fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, officially sanctioned Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan for showing dissent towards a teammate during his side’s victory over Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Afghanistan, on Monday, made history as they qualified for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event’s semi-final by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Rashid expressed visible frustration in the final over of the first innings and an outburst on his teammate which earned him the sanction.

After playing a trademark snake shot towards the off-side, Rashid attempted to run back for a second run, thanks to a fumble in the field, but was sent back by his partner.

Rashid, who was already halfway down when his partner declined a second run, hurled his bat in frustration to the ground, and then turned to make his ground comfortably, indicating there was indeed plenty of time for a couple.

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Karim Janat calmly picked up the bat and gave it back to his angry teammate. He then took a single, allowing Rashid to face the last two balls of the over.

The right-handed batter belted the final ball of the innings for a six, to finish at an unbeaten 19 off 10 deliveries.

Rashid Khan backed his quickfire cameo with resounding bowling figures of 4/23 and played a pivotal role in defending the modest total against Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to mention that Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 26 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.

READ: ‘No history in semi-finals makes Afghanistan dangerous’: Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan stated that his side proved West Indies legend Brian Lara right by qualifying for the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

For the unversed, Lara predicted before the tournament that Afghanistan would qualify for the final four teams.

Afghanistan registered a thrilling eight-run victory over Bangladesh in the rain-hit clash in Kingstown to book their place for the semi-final, where they will face South Africa.

“It’s a dream for us to be in the semi-finals. The way we started the tournament, the belief came when we beat New Zealand. It’s unbelievable,” Rashid Khan said in the post-match interview.

“The only guy who put us in the semi-finals was Brian Lara and we proved him right. When we met him at a welcome party, I told him we won’t let you down.

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“It’s a massive celebration back home. It’s a big achievement for us as well. We have done that at the U-19 level but at this World Cup, I don’t have any words to describe the feeling back home. We have to go into the semis with a very clear mind and make sure we enjoy the occasion.”

The leg-spinner also admitted that Afghanistan were 15 runs short with the bat as they managed 115-5 in the allocated 20 overs. However, he stated that bowlers had a clear plan which they followed and earned the rewards.

“We thought 130-135 was a good score but we fell 15 runs short. We knew they would come hard at us and we knew that is what we could take advantage of. We didn’t need to do anything extra, just be clear in our plans,” Khan said.

READ: Pakistan Shaheens to play Top End T20 Series, schedule announced

KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Tuesday, unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be co-hosted in West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

Star spinner Rashid Khan has been named to lead the Afghanistan squad, which features six all-rounders.

Afghanistan made notable changes to their squad, compared to the 2022 editions with Karim Jannat, Mohammad Ishaq, and Noor Ahmad making a cut.

Meanwhile, middle-order batter Hashmatullah Shahidi, who led Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup last year in India, was not picked with his last appearance in T20Is coming in 2022.

Young spinner Nangyal Kharoti, who made his international debut in March against Ireland, managed to seal a spot in the squad at the back of his impressive performances.

The 20-year-old claimed five wickets in the three-match series against Ireland at an economy of just 5.90.

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Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq is another youngster to have secured a spot in the Afghanistan squad after being part of the team in the 2020 and 2022 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups.

Rashid will lead Afghanistan’s strong spin department which features Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti and veteran Mohammad Nabi.

Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooq all retained their spots and will make up Afghanistan’s fast-bowling line-up in the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan Squad for T20 World Cup

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik

Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

READ: West Indies come from behind to down Pakistan in third T20I

Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has returned to the national squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland.

Rashid Khan has been out of action since the ICC World Cup 2023 in November, due to a back injury which required him to undergo surgery.

He travelled with the squad for the T20I series against India after the surgery, however, he could not partake in the series owing to his rehabilitation.

The star spinner also missed the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, as well as the Big Bash League (BBL) and SA20.

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Khan will lead the Afghanistan team, while his fellow spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman will also participate in the series after recovering from his injury.

“The plan is to represent the country in the upcoming series and the training has been underway, thankfully it went well and I hope that the following few days will also be well so that I can wear the national jersey again and continue to do well for my country,” Rashid Khan said in an interview posted by Afghanistan Cricket Board on March 9.

The three-match series is scheduled to take place in Sharjah on March 15, 17 and 18.

Afghanistan squad for Ireland series

Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediq Atal, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Ishaq Rahimi (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Nangyal Kharotai, Azmat Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wafadar Momand, Farid Malik, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazal Haq Farooqi

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DUBAI: Afghanistan captain and spinner Rashid Khan climbed to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings on Wednesday following his side’s maiden series victory against Pakistan.

Afghanistan had beaten Pakistan for the first time in a bilateral T20I series as they claimed the recently-concluded three-match series by 2-1.

A host of Afghanistan players got a boost in their T20I rankings including skipper Rashid Khan, who overtook Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga to become the No.1-ranked T20I bowler in the world for the second time.

The leg spinner rose to the top of the T20I bowlers chart for the first time in 2018 and has been a consistent performer in the shortest format of the game ever since.

According to the latest ICC rankings update, Rashid bagged the top position with 710 rating points, 15 points clear of second-ranked Hasaranga.

“The right-armer collected a wicket in each of the three matches against Pakistan in Sharjah, with his miserly economy rate in both of Afghanistan’s victories during the first two games of the series a standout,” said ICC in a media release.

Meanwhile, Rashid’s teammate Fazalhaq Farooqi leapfrogged staggering 12 spots to third overall on the latest rankings update. The left-arm pacer starred with a total of five wickets and an economy rate of just 4.75 during the series.

“It means Afghanistan now have three players inside the top 10 of the T20I category for bowlers, with spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman rounding out the talented trio in eighth spot following his four wickets for the series against Pakistan,” added ICC statement.

On the other hand, Pakistan stand-in skipper Shadab Khan was also duly rewarded for his impressive bowling in the three games. He jumped eight places to fourth on the T20I all-rounder rankings and improved six spots to 12th overall on the list for bowlers.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam, who was rested for the three T20Is,  dropped one place to fourth on the T20I batter’s ranking as a result.

READ: Shepherd, Joseph take West Indies to South Africa series win

KARACHI: Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has joined Lahore Qalandars’ squad for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League season 8. 

According to the detail, star spinner Rashid arrived in Karachi from Dubai in the wee hours of Tuesday morning to play the PSL after missing the first two games of his side.

He will be available for Lahore Qalandar’s third PSL encounter today against Quetta Gladiators.

Scenes Kuch Aisay Hain – @rashidkhan_19 #QalandarHum #QalandarsCity #HBLPSL8 #sochnabemanahai pic.twitter.com/tEwP5Sqh5H

— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) February 21, 2023

Defending champions Qalandars faced a major blow yesterday when all-rounder Liam Dawson was ruled out of the PSL due to an ankle injury. He will travel back to England where he will undergo his rehabilitation.

The side currently sits at the bottom of the PSL 8 standings with two points. They won the opening match against Multan Sultans before facing a crushing defeat to Karachi Kings.

READ: Lahore Qalandars’ Liam Dawson ruled out of PSL 8

KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday condemned Cricket Australia’s statement and decision to withdraw from the ODI series by terming it “pathetic and unfair”.

In an official statement, ACB expressed their disappointment over Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to withdraw from the ODI series, citing the increased restrictions on women under Taliban rule and also announced to take the matter officially to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“Afghanistan Cricket Board is extremely disappointed and saddened by the pathetic statement of Cricket Australia to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home three-match ODI series in March and will officially write to the International Cricket Council about the issue,” an ACB statement read.

The cricket board further termed CA’s decision an “unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicize the sport” while also blaming the Australian board for undermining the integrity of the sport.

“Cricket Australia’s decision to withdraw from upcoming matches against Afghanistan is coming after consultation and potential enforcement from the Australian Government which is an unfortunate attempt to enter the realm of politics and politicize the sport,” ACB statement read.

“By prioritizing political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, Cricket Australia is undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations,” it added.

The Afghan board also threatened to “rethink” about the participation of Aghan players in the ongoing BigBash League if the decision to withdraw does not get overturned.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is closely monitoring the situation and is considering taking action, including officially writing to ICC and rethinking the participation of Afghan players in the Big Bash League (BBL), if the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan’s home series is not overturned,” stated ACB.

Notably, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan announced to consider his future in the BigBash League in response to Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to withdraw from the ODI series against Afghanistan.

Cricket! The only hope for the country.
Keep politics out of it. @CricketAus @BBL @ACBofficials ♥️ 🇦🇫 ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ZPpvOBetPJ

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) January 12, 2023

 

“I am really disappointed to hear that Australia have pulled out of the series to play us in March. I take great pride in representing my country and we have made great progress on the world stage,” wrote Rashid.

“This decision from CA sets us back in that journey. If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL.

“Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition.”

Whereas, another Afghan cricketer Naveen-ul-Haq, who represents Sydney Sixers in BBL, has already announced to part ways with the franchise league after the withdrawal announcement by the Australian board.

time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them #CA

— Naveen ul haq Murid (@imnaveenulhaq) January 12, 2023

“Time to say won’t be participating in big bash after this until they stop these childish decisions that’s how they went about the one off test now ODI when a country is going through so much in place off being supportive you want to take the only reason of happiness from them,” he tweeted soon after the Cricket Australia’s (CA) pull-out decision.

It is worth mentioning that CA on Thursday announced that the decision to pull out of the series was taken in the wake of the Taliban’s recent announcement regarding further restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment.

“Following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Australian Government, Cricket Australia has decided that it is unable to proceed at this time with the upcoming ICC Super League three-match Men’s ODI series between Australia and Afghanistan scheduled for the UAE in March 2023,” the CA statement said.

“This decision follows the recent announcement by the Taliban of further restrictions on women’s and girls’ education and employment opportunities and their ability to access parks and gyms.”

READ: Rashid to ‘consider’ his BBL future after Australia’s withdrawal from ODIs

DUBAI: Afghanistan batters Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran completed a comfortable chase for their side with unbeaten knocks after spinners dominated Bangladesh batting line-up as Afghanistan sealed an emphatic seven-wicket victory to book a Super 4s spot in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.

Set to chase 128, Afghanistan comfortably steered to victory in the 19th over with seven wickets to spare, thanks to the astounding knock of Ibrahim and Najibullah.

Afghanistan were off to an unwanted start to their run chase as the side lost their first wicket for a mere 15 runs amid a slow start as Rahmanullah Gurbaz perished cheaply for 11.

Bangladesh bowlers then did well to stop the run flow and mounted the pressure on Afghanistan batters, which paid off the side in the form of Hazratullah Zazai’s wicket in the 10th over, who could only manage to score 23 off 26 deliveries.

The match took a thrilling turn in the 13th over when Mohammad Saifuddin trapped the Afghan captain Mohammad Nabi for a mere eight; forcing Afghanistan to slip to 62/3 while chasing 128.

Ibrahim and Najibullah then denied Bangladesh’s comeback as they batted sensibly and put on a match-winning unbeaten 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket and cruised Afghanistan over the line in the 19th over.

Ibrahim batted sensibly for his 42 off 41, while Najibullah top-scored with a quickfire 43 off a mere 17 deliveries, laced with a boundary and six sixes.

For Bangladesh, their captain Shakib Al Hasan, Mosaddek Hussain, and Mohammad Saifuddin made one scalp each.

Bangladesh, after winning the toss, made a rather surprising decision to elect to bat first against Afghanistan in the third match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.

Batting first, last edition’s finalists Bangladesh were off to a dismal start as the Afghanistan spinners dismissed half of their side for 53 in the 11th over.

Former Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah, alongside Mosaddek anchored the inning after a horrific start and added 36 runs for the sixth wicket.

Mosaddek was looking solid amid the stand, while Mahmudullah was struggling to score at a quick pace and in the end, fell victim to Afghanistan star bowler Rashid in the 16th over. He scored a mere 25 off 27 deliveries.

Bangladesh hero Mosaddek then joined hands with tailender Mahedi Hassan and added a further 39 runs to the total before the latter perished in the final over courtesy of a run-out.

Hassan scored a crucial 14 off 12, while Mosaddek top-scored for the side with an unbeaten 48 off 31 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six.

For Afghanistan, Rashid and Mujeeb starred as they bagged three wickets each.

READ: ‘PCB to take complete ownership of the inaugural PJL’ PCB CEO Faisal

CHITTAGONG: Aghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who was representing Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, denied the rumours about his availability for the final of the mega event.

Rashid, who is currently representing his national side in an away series against Bangladesh, has taken to Twitter to turn down the claims of him flying to Pakistan to represent the Qalandars in the final of the mega event.

“It would’ve been great to be part of [Lahore Qalandars] and play alongside lads in [the PSL 7] final,” he wrote.

“I won’t be able to make it for the finals due to National Duty which is always [the] first priority,” he added.

It would’ve been great to be part of @lahoreqalandars and play alongside lads in @thePSLt20 final.
I won’t be able to make it for the finals due to National Duty which is always a first priority.I wish my captain @iShaheenAfridi @sameenrana and team GOOD LUCK INSHALLAH ❤️ 🤲🏻

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) February 26, 2022

 

Furthermore, the star leg-spinner wished the skipper and the whole team of the Qalandars good luck for the PSL final, scheduled on February 27 under the sheds of Gaddafi Stadium.

It is worth mentioning here that Qalandars will lock horns with the defending champions Multan Sultans in the final of the mega event to seek their maiden PSL title.

READ: Squads revealed for Pakistan Cup 2022