New Delhi: Afghanistan have won many hearts with their gutsy performance in the ongoing ICC World T20 so far and skipper Asghar Stanikzai feels that they are “capable of turning things around soon”.
The team gave a display of their growing abilities knocking Zimbabwe out in the qualifiers, while running Sri Lanka and South Africa close in their two Super 10 league matches. “We have played good cricket so far and that gives us confidence,” said Stanikzai here ahead of their match against England.
“We are eager to win at least one match in the next two, and not only play good cricket. There will definitely be pressure on England... The guys are playing to win.” The team from the war-torn nation have set the social media buzzing with former greats heaping rich praise on the rank-outsiders. Afghanistan’s exuberant performances even saw legends Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara urge the International Cricket Council to make associate teams a regular sight at the World Cups.
“Spirit & performance of teams like Afghanistan & Oman echo the need for more teams at World Cup & beyond!” Sachin tweeted on Monday. “It feels proud to hear such words from these greats. We are eager to play in more World Cups,” says the skipper.
At the helm are former greats from Asia — Manoj Prabhakar and ex-Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq — who are turning this bunch into a fighting unit.
Of the lot, wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad has played a prominent role and evoked surprise when he said he was disappointed that South Africa “did not field pacer Dale Steyn” against them.
Chasing a massive 210, Afghanistan managed to reach 172 with Shahzad slamming a 19-ball 44. Stanikzai says the team have grown in confidence.
“At the start of the tournament, many believed that there would be one-sided games against us. But we planned and prepared well and have even scared our opponents a bit,” the skipper said.
Afghanistan are now almost out of the tournament, but are hoping that the ICC will take note of their spirited effort and help them compete in more international matches. “We have requested the ICC for a series against full members. That is the only way we can grow,” he said.
