Rashid Khan shares insights on Afghanistan's defeat in T20 World Cup semifinal

Commends teams’ united effort that played a crucial role in their achievements

KARACHI:

Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan has commented on his team's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals, recognizing the difficulties they encountered in their match against South Africa in Trinidad today.

This was the first occasion where both South Africa and the Afghan team advanced to the semi-final stage of this major tournament event.

"It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better, but the conditions didn't allow us to do what we wanted. That's how T20 cricket is; you need to be ready for all conditions," Rashid said during the post-match conference.

The Afghanistan captain emphasized the bowling strength of his team throughout the tournament, also commending their united effort that played a crucial role in their achievements.

"I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb's injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners," he said.

Rashid pointed out the silver linings following the semi-final defeat, stressing that finding enjoyment in the tournament and reaching the semi-finals were accomplishments in their own right.

"We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations," he said.

South Africa solidified their spot in the final with a commanding nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Stadium, achieving their maiden qualification for a World Cup final in both T20 and ODI formats.