Picture : Afghanistan Cricket Board/X
Afghanistan have proved to be the giant killers in the #CWC23 with their brilliant all- round game . It has impressed one and all . And why not they have beaten – defending Champions England, Past winners Pakistan, and Sri Lanka . What more does a nation want that has been ravaged by war and recent earthquakes . Their cricketers have managed to bring smile on their grim faces .
What has stood out in their performances so far in the tournament is that Afghan players have played fearless cricket and nothing to lose and all to gain. They have bowled well, batted with confidence and showed tremendous energy and on the field. They seem to relish the big occasion and enjoy the game . And this attribute is so refreshing and brings to the game a breath of fresh air .
India fans have got used to seeing the Afghan players courtesy IPL and hence have become household names . Leading the popularity rating as the leg- spin smiling superstar Rashid Khan ( Lucknow Super Giants). He is such a treat to watch in the middle be it wily leg- spin, taking great catches and swinging the bat while coming down the order to play some delightful cameos . All in all a complete entertainer.
Other players whom Indian crowds have accepted wholeheartedly are – Mohammad Nabi ( Kolkata Knight Rider 2022 IPL), Rahmanullah Gurbaz with his aggressive batting skills ( Kolkata Knight Riders) , Mujeeb Ur Rahman with his wily spin ( Punjab Kings) and seamer who bowls with lot of pace Naveen – Ul Haq ( Lucknow Super Giants).
Picture : Afghanistan Cricket Board/X
Afghan Showing has not gone unnoticed and even the greats of the game have lauded their performances. The ‘God Of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar on X wrote, “Afghanistan’s performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding. Their discipline with the bat, the temperament they’ve shown, and aggressive running between the wickets reflects their hard work. It could possibly be due to a certain Mr. Ajay Jadeja’s influence,” Tendulkar said referring to his former India teammate who is part of the Afghanistan setup as mentor in this World Cup as a team mentor. “With a formidable bowling lineup, their victories over teams like England and Pakistan indicate the emergence of a new Afghanistan team. The cricket world is taking note. Well done! #PAKvsAFG.”
Afghanistan’s performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding. Their discipline with the bat, the temperament they’ve shown, and aggressive running between the wickets reflects their hard work. It could possibly be due to a certain Mr. Ajay Jadeja’s influence.… pic.twitter.com/12FaLICQPs
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 23, 2023
If It’s cricket then politics cannot be far behind and ignored . After shocking Pakistan Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran had a jibe directed at Pakistan. The opener dedicated his Player of the Match award to the Afghans who had been deported from Pakistan. “I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this man of the match award to those who are sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan,” Zadran said in a post-match presentation.
Finally, Afghan Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi and his men have already lit the #CWC23. And whether they make the semis or not is another debate. But it is beyond without doubt that Afghanistan has truly arrived and no team can afford to take them lightly. If they do so then it will be on their own peril . So welcome Afghanistan.
