ICC World Cup 2019 | We just need a good start in the first 10 overs, says Gulbadin Naib

Afghanistan have suffered back-to-back losses against Australia and Sri Lanka at the ongoing World Cup in England. They put in good performances in both matches but couldn’t build their innings to their maximum potential. The Asian side suffered a seven-wicket loss against the Aussies while they fell to a 34-run defeat against the Lankans in what was a rain-interrupted match.

However, Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib is adamant that his side have the potential to win games but they will need to get off to a strong start in the first 10 overs of their respective innings.

"If you look at the last game against Sri Lanka, we missed a lot of things at the start of the match and also starting our innings on the batting side. We just need a good start if you bowl or if you bat, so we keep the momentum for 10 overs at the start. If we do this, maybe it's easier for us," Naib said as per Cricbuzz ahead of the game against New Zealand.

The Afghanistan side will be without the services of opener Mohammad Shahzad who has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a knee injury. Afghanistan will miss his experience and his presence in the dugout for sure.

"It's a big loss of our side. Shahzad is a great player for Afghanistan. Very energetic. In the dressing room he's very funny, he entertains the team. We will miss a lot of things. I'm really upset but it's cricket," Naib added.