(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Afghanistan’s cricket team is gearing up for a crucial clash against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Group B match at Abu Dhabi. Head coach Jonathan Trott believes his players enter as favorites, thanks to their strong recent record against the opponents. “We’re not afraid to chase new milestones or break fresh ground,” Trott said confidently.
The Afghan side has come a long way in white-ball cricket. They made it to the Super Four in the 2022 Asia Cup and finished sixth at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, stunning teams like defending champions England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They also reached the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup with thrilling wins over Australia and New Zealand.
Against Bangladesh specifically, Afghanistan has the upper hand lately. They won a 50-over series on Bangladesh’s home turf in 2023—the first time any team pulled that off there. Plus, they clinched an exciting eight-run victory in the T20 World Cup Super 8s last year, which propelled them to the semis.
Reflecting on these moments, Trott shared, “Since joining the team, we’ve created some unforgettable memories. Beating Bangladesh in their own backyard for the first time was huge. It boosted our confidence big time, especially against a strong home side.” He also highlighted the nail-biter in St Vincent at the 2024 T20 World Cup. “That historic win gave us real belief. This group loves tackling uncharted territory.”
Trott praised his team’s mindset: When they face big challenges or something no one’s done before, they step up. “They’re not just raising the bar for themselves—they’re inspiring the next generation to keep pushing limits.”
Afghanistan kicked off their Asia Cup campaign with a dominant 94-run victory over Hong Kong on September 9. The six-day break that followed has been a game-changer. After a tough tri-nation series against UAE and Pakistan—where they played five matches in just 10 days and lost the final to Pakistan—the rest helped them recover.
“I’m thrilled with the break,” Trott admitted. “The UAE heat is brutal and drains you. It’s been perfect to recharge, assess our game, and gear up for more action. We know a win here means qualifying for the next round with a packed schedule ahead.”
On their spin bowling arsenal, Trott joked they could field an all-spinner XI if needed. With stars like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, veteran Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, and Sharafuddin Ashraf, options abound. But he kept it real: “Spin alone doesn’t guarantee wins—we saw that in the tri-series. Even if the ball turns, we must excel in batting, fielding, and everything else. Our spinners have tons of experience from franchise and international cricket, but consistency across the board is key. That’s why we grind as a unit.”
Looking ahead, Trott sees huge potential in the Asia Cup and the upcoming World Cup in February. “We have fond memories from the subcontinent—Sri Lanka and India. But right now, everyone’s laser-focused on Bangladesh. Winning that match is our top priority.”
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