Cricket

T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan not in semi-finals to compete, here to win, says Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has said that his team is not in the semifinal to compete but they are here to win. The Rashid Khan-led team created history as they defeated Australia and Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage to qualify for the semifinal.

Afghanistan has been brilliant with the ball whereas their openers – Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran – have done the bulk of the scoring.

Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi is the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in seven matches whereas Naveen-ul-Haq has bagged 13 wickets in as many games. Furthermore, Rashid Khan has also led from the front as the talismanic leg-spinner has bagged 14 wickets in seven games at an average of 12.21.

Afghanistan deserves a lot of credit for bringing their best in the big matches and keeping their calm in the crunch situations.

Jonathan Trot said in the pre-match press conference, “I just think batting we’ve got to be better all around – we left a lot of runs out there. Yes, it wasn’t the greatest of wickets but so many times just bat on ball we just missed so many balls where we could have got singles or perhaps look to hit it in the gaps. But just a little bit of a narrow experience. I’m not sure if it’s a little bit of nerves. But heck, we’re in the semi-final now, nothing to lose. Very, very positive from now on in. But by no means do we feel like we’re going into the semi-final just to compete.”

“We’re there to win the semi-final. We’ve seen we’ve beaten some major teams. We’ve won by large margins. We’ve won by tight margins. We’ve won in close games. So that’s going to serve us well going forward to the semi-final,” said Trott.

The former England flamboyant batter wants Afghanistan to improve in a few areas and be fearless in the all-important semifinal clash against the Proteas.

“I think it’s a case of us just looking at what we need to improve on, which is a few little areas. Nothing too major, just tighten up. I think it’s just a sort of mindset shift if I like. But I also think, we go into the semi-final with no scarring or no history with regards to semi-finals. This is uncharted territory for us. We’re just going to go out there and give it our all. There’s no preconceived ideas on it all, or history of failure or success in semifinals in past years. For us it’s a new challenge and I think that makes us dangerous in the semifinals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition,” said Trott.

Afghanistan will face South Africa in the first semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Wednesday. 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024