Trott sees Afghan semi-final T20 performance as inspiring
Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan (centre) is consoled by South Africa's players after the T20 World Cup semi-final CHANDAN KHANNA Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott hopes his side's historic T20 World Cup run, which ended in a heavy semi-final defeat Wednesday, has "inspired young kids to pick up a bat and ball" in the w... Get this article and all of Barron's with this exclusive sale offer. Unlimited access across all platforms and devices. Cancel anytime. Barron’s Digital Bundle $4.75/Week $1/Week for 1 year Includes unlimited access to Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, and MarketWatch. Barron’s Digital $2.50/Week 50ȼ/Week for 1 year Includes unlimited access to Barron’s. Continue to Checkout View other Subscription Options Already a subscriber? Sign in Already a Barron's subscriber? Sign In Barron's Topics Cryptocurrencies Data Magazine Markets Stock Picks Barron's Live Roundtable Barron's Stock Screen Personal Finance Streetwise Advisor Directory Memberships Subscribe to Barron's Tools Saved Articles Watchlist Newsletters Video Center Customer Service Customer Center Network The Wall Street Journal MarketWatch Investor's Business Daily Penta Mansion Global Financial News London Newsstand Buy Issues Reprints E-Edition For Business Corporate Subscriptions For Education Investing in Education For Advertisers Press & Media Inquiries Advertising Account Sign In Subscriber Benefits Manage Notifications Manage Alerts About Barron's Live Events Centennial Privacy Notice Cookie Notice Copyright Policy Accessibility Data Policy Your Ad Choices Terms of Use Community Rules Barron's Archive Copyright © 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PHOTO:AFP
Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott hopes his side's historic T20 World Cup run, which ended in a heavy semi-final defeat Wednesday, has "inspired young kids to pick up a bat and ball" in the war-ravaged country.
South Africa demolished Afghanistan by nine wickets to saunter into the final, where they will face India or holders England.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 56 off 11.5 overs after they chose to bat at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
Trott conceded that his players had struggled to handle the pressure of a maiden World Cup semi-final, but he was still "very proud" of the team.
"A lot to process really emotionally, physically, so all new territory for the guys and it all plays its part," said Trott, a former England batsman who was born in South Africa, admitting his side had been "outplayed".
"I'm sure the guys hopefully learn from this experience," he said.
"(Learn) what it takes to play international cricket and play against a bowling side like South Africa on a pitch that's perhaps not conducive to high-scoring.
"We've found ways of winning games, we just couldn't find a way today," he said, adding that despite surpassing all expectations by reaching the last four, his side were left crestfallen.
"Obviously it hurts at the moment," said Trott.
"We arrived to the ground in high spirits ready to take on a strong South African side and make sure we gave a good account of ourselves.
"I feel like we haven't done that today so that's the most disappointing thing.
"I'm very proud of the guys. This one performance doesn't necessarily define the tournament."
Trott said Afghanistan's World Cup run, which included beating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh in a nerve-shredding win to reach the semi-finals, had been "a great ride".
The team provided rare moments of widespread celebration back home in a country ravaged by four decades of war and beleaguered by economic, humanitarian and political crises.
"I hope that we've inspired young kids to pick up a bat and a ball and play cricket, and want to play for their nation and hopefully that everybody's proud of the side," said Trott.