ICC World Cup 2019 | Cannot afford to make mistakes against Australia, says Gulbadin Naib
Gulbadin Naib has stated that Afghanistan cannot afford to make mistakes against Australia, referring to his side’s seven wicket-loss in their World Cup opener on Saturday at Bristol. Afghanistan had won the toss and opted to bat first but were skittled out for 207 runs in just 38.2 overs.
Afghanistan had won a crucial toss against Australia in Saturday’s encounter but threw away the opportunity as they could only manage 207 runs. The Afghan players were also very sloppy on the field which ensured a breezy chase for Australia in just 34.5 overs. Skipper Gulbadin Naib rued the mistakes made by his team.
“They are a champion side, so you cannot afford to make any mistakes against them,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony, reported Cricbuzz.
Afghanistan openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai failed to run the scoreboard and lost their wickets to deadly swing bowling of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins respectively. Najibullah Zadran scored a quick 50 whereas Rahmat Shah scored 43 off 60. Mohammad Nabi played 22 deliveries while scoring seven runs. Skipper Naib also got a start of 30 but failed to convert it into anything substantial. Six batsmen lost their wickets to pacers, as pointed out by the skipper.
“Since we didn't have a good start, we were on the back foot but Rahmat and Nabi tried to repair things. But their pacers at good speeds kept pegging us back,” expressed the 28-year-old.
Pacer Hamid Hassan was the only bowler who made the batsman toil as he only gave 15 runs in his six overs. The spinners hardly got any assistance from the pitch and Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman ended up with one wicket each. The latter was very expensive as he leaked 45 runs in his 4.5 overs. The skipper hoped that spinners will get more assistance going into the tournament.
“Good to see our fast bowlers doing well, especially Hamid. I am hoping that upcoming pitches offer some more help for the spinners. Maybe towards the middle of the tournament. Still, I would credit Rashid and Mujeeb for the way they bowled on these tracks,” Naib signed off.
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