Afghanistan is hot and in control of the World Cup, having gone from winning only once in two previous editions to a thrilling three times this time around. The World Cup 2023 is a huge milestone for the squad, which was formerly known for its giant-killing reputation. They are now genuinely living up to their moniker. This crew is unique because of their distinctly different approach. They no longer crumble in high-pressure circumstances, and they are unafraid of bigger teams' auras. It's just a series of consecutive displays of clinical performance that are constant. They only got better after beating England, which may have been the biggest upset of the tournament, as they went on to destroy Pakistan and then Srilanka to their hitlist.
Afghanistan is now a hot topic in the cricket world, and with good reason. They have demonstrated how far they have come with a string of energetic performances against two Asian powerhouses and the current World Champions. Afghanistan's only notable moments were a tie against India at the Asia Cup 2018 and a near-victory over Pakistan at the sub-continent event the previous year. However, it doesn't seem like there are any jitters this time around. Despite all odds, they have managed to stay in the running for the semifinals and are dominating their opponents. Their daring batting style is only one of the many factors that might explain why, what, when, where, and how this incredible reversal occurred.
More runs than Babar Azam, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith have come from six innings thanks to Ibrahim Zadran's 212 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has hit 224 runs, has led this comeback from the front with Zadran's partnership. Their opening wicket partnerships have been 47, 114, and 130, giving Afghanistan the early edge. Afghanistan's blueprint for success begins with their top order when you include Rahmat Shah at No. 3 with another 212 runs. Regardless of the size of the goal or the type of bowling attack they faced, these three batsmen have engineered intricate chases. They have consistently demonstrated good intentions. Pressure has been alleviated by their sane partnerships. They haven't ever let the disappointment of losing an early wicket get to them since all three of them are capable of playing any shot in cricket, both conventional and unconventional.
*Trott and Jadeja effect
Without appreciating the crucial role performed by their coaching staff, it would be impossible to fully appreciate Afghanistan's batters' newly found confidence. Highly regarded for their tactical skills during their playing years, coach Jonathan Trott and mentor Ajay Jadeja have contributed a wealth of match knowledge and a dash of street-smart acumen, yielding impressive outcomes. Trott's calm and collected manner doesn't surprise those who are familiar with his time with England. As the rest of the dugout celebrated Afghanistan's impending historic triumph over Pakistan—only 12 runs needed off about 20 balls—Trott stayed sombre, keeping his poker face intact.
Regarding Jadeja, his last-minute addition was intended to help Afghanistan get used to the Indian environment. There was never any debate about the team's talent, but Jadeja's smooth facilitation of the process was crucial to efficiently fostering that skill and turning it into on-field success. Jadeja's ability to inspire others is evident in his lighthearted yet insightful pep speeches. It did not take him long to realise that most of the players had already proven themselves in high-pressure circumstances from their IPL experience. It was just a matter of incorporating that experience into their performances, and the outcomes amply proved how beneficial this change was.
*Give it up for Hashmatullah Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been leading Afghanistan for some time, but at this World Cup, his leadership and game sense have really shown. But throughout this World Cup, his leadership abilities and sense of the game have really shined through. He has not only contributed greatly with the bat, amassing 80 against India, 48 against Pakistan, and another 58 not out against Sri Lanka, but he has also outperformed some of the tournament's top leaders with certain tactical choices.
During his first solid innings in the contest against India, for example, an alert Shahidi attempted to knock a ball into the cow corner, an adventurous effort. Everyone was taken aback by the obviously irritated wild swing, but not before doing some rapid calculations. When arranging his field, Rohit Sharma made a mistake, placing just four fielders—short third, short fine leg, midwicket and cover—instead of the necessary five within the 30-yard circle. Shahidi saw this. He so understood that a free hit and a no-ball were available.
Shahidi thereafter took the difficult decision to bench Noor Ahmed, who had scored 3/49 against Pakistan in Chennai, against Sri Lanka. He brought back Fazalhaq Farooqi, who produced a Player of the Match performance his way to career-best statistics of 4/34, considering the conditions in Pune. Afghanistan has come together as a cohesive unit under Shahidi's guidance, and they are ready to play together for a long time. Afghanistan also promised to continue playing above their weight and maybe become a formidable force in international cricket.
*Oppositions, beware!
Afghanistan currently sits fifth in the standings, and while they have a difficult road ahead of them with South Africa and Australia following closely behind, isn't that what Afghanistan has been all about this World Cup—defying the odds? Afghanistan can certainly defeat the Netherlands, but it is difficult to predict how they would do against powerful nations like Australia and South Africa. It looks like a really difficult task. But without a doubt, Afghanistan has been the tournament's most remarkable tale, and their quick ascent eclipses that of Bangladesh, a side that has played cricket for almost thirty years with little success.
0 Comments