LUCKNOW: Though Afghanistan lost to hosts’ India in 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, head coach Jonathan Trott believes that match gave his team some confidence from a batting perspective, which has propelled them to win four matches, latest of which came over the Netherlands.
At the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, Afghanistan chased down a paltry 180 in 31.3 overs, making this their third straight clinical run-chase in a row, thus keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
“I think we saw a bit of form coming into the side against India. Obviously we lost the game but then that gave us a bit of confidence. I said we’d lost so many close games leading into the series against Pakistan and then in the Asia Cup.”
“I just said we just need to start 1-1 or 2 and we’ll get that confidence and belief and a bit of a spring in our step and that we can win those close games but also dominate games if we get the opportunity to,” said Trott in the post-match press conference.
Afghanistan, who are now in fifth place in the points table, will be facing off against Australia and South Africa in their last two league stage matches. “There’s certain things we need to get better. We need to improve on for the next game against Australia in Mumbai.”
“But I saw a lot of good things as well that’s going to stand us in good stead going forward against the likes of Australia and South Africa the next two games. Plenty to work on but also plenty to be pleased about and excited about flying to Mumbai tomorrow with another victory and two days of practice and ready for the match,” added Trott. IANS
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