Afghanistan’s World Cup Upsets: How Preparation Led to Victories
In a surprising turn of events, Afghanistan has emerged as a formidable force in the 2023 World Cup, stunning cricketing giants England and Pakistan with their exceptional performances. Their recent victory against Pakistan marked their first-ever win over their rivals in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The match, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, witnessed Afghanistan secure a dominating eight-wicket triumph. Contributing to this success were the team’s top three batters, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmat Shah, who all scored half-centuries, demonstrating their prowess on slow tracks.
This triumph over Pakistan adds to Afghanistan’s list of major upsets in the tournament, with their previous shock win over defending champions England. In what is considered one of the greatest World Cup upsets, Afghanistan defeated England by 69 runs in Delhi. The team’s spinners, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, played a crucial role in this victory, causing England to collapse for a modest total of 215.
When asked about the secret behind their success, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi attributed it to their continuous backing and preparation. He revealed that the team had been working diligently for the past two years, consistently selecting the same group of players. While they faced challenges, particularly in the death overs of the fast bowling department, they made efforts to find suitable replacements. One such addition is Naveen, who joined the squad specifically for the World Cup and has been performing admirably. Shahidi emphasized that this success was not an overnight achievement but the result of their sustained efforts and belief in the team.
Over the past two years, Afghanistan has had series against formidable teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, maintaining a consistent focus on their game. They have also participated in numerous domestic 50-over matches, adhering to their plan and keeping faith in their players. Whether during good times or bad, Afghanistan has unwaveringly believed in this team, giving them ample opportunities to prove themselves. This belief, according to Shahidi, is the reason behind their impressive performances in the World Cup.
As Afghanistan gears up for their upcoming group stage match against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup, they have a chance to secure a win that could potentially catapult them to the fifth position in the group table, closely trailing Australia. Their outstanding performances against cricketing giants have undoubtedly raised eyebrows and established Afghanistan as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s recent victories against Pakistan and England in the World Cup 2023 have been the result of meticulous preparation and unwavering belief in their players. Their constant backing and sustained efforts over the past two years have propelled them to emerge as a formidable force in international cricket. As they continue their journey in the tournament, Afghanistan aims to replicate their success and cement their position among the top teams in the world.
