DUBAI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi says looking at Afghanistan’s magnificent performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, the Rashid Khan-led team can go on to lift the coveted trophy and it would be no surprise.

In an exclusive column for the ICC on Wednesday, Afridi wrote that Afghanistan who have beaten bigger opponents cannot be taken lightly.

“Afghanistan’s progress in this ICC T20 World Cup has been fantastic to witness,” Afridi, who is the T20 World Cup ambassador, wrote.

“They have truly earned their first-ever spot in the semi-finals. A team that beats New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh in competitive cricket can’t be taken lightly. They have demonstrated great teamwork, ability to handle pressure and a positive mindset,” Afridi, a member of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup-winning squad of 2009, added.

“Reaching the final of the World Cup will not only be good for the proud nation of Afghanistan but it will also be great for cricket. It will help promote the great game of cricket in nations where they are no longer considered ‘minnows’ and will inspire young cricketers to dream big and elevate nations.”

Afridi underscored that Afghanistan have some key players who have shone in this tournament and will play a crucial part in the semi-final against South Africa.

“They have great match-winners throughout the side. Rashid is leading from the front, they have a great opening pair who have produced amazing partnerships, and pacers who are bowling great line and length and taking vital wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer in the competition and Fazalhaq Farooqi has taken more wickets than anybody else — he, Rashid and Naveen-ul-Haq have done wonders with the ball,” the former Pakistan all-rounder wrote.

According to Afridi, Afghanistan should take a lot of confidence from their victories over New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh.

“If they [Afghanistan] can do that, they can also lift the trophy and if they do, no one should be surprised.”

Afridi noted that this T20 World Cup will see a new finalist team, Afghanistan or South Africa, which is refreshing.

“South Africa have match-winners of their own. Quinton de Kock has exhibited some of his brilliant ball-striking skills, while Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have shown great discipline with the ball.”

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2024