‘We proved Brian Lara right’ - Rashid revels in historic win

Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan (centre) celebrates with his teammates

Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq trapped Mustafizur Rahman leg-before in the 18th over of the Bangladesh chase, setting off a historic victory for his home nation. Afghanistan will now take on South Africa in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup on June 26 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.

Though Afghanistan have been feisty competitors in modern-day cricket, not many would’ve predicted their inspirational run to the semis. Brian Lara was an exception to the same, for the former West Indies legend had predicted that the Afghans would make it all the way to the semi-finals.

And after their sensational win over Bangladesh, Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan was proud at having proven him right.

“I think we have proved one person very right: Brian Lara, the only person who mentioned Afghanistan to be in the top four, in semis. I think we told him that as well when we met him in the welcome party - we will make sure we prove that right as well,” Rashid said at the post-game press conference.

“I think when you get the kind of great, great statements from a legend, as a team, I think it gives you lots of energy as well.”

“We are capable - but as long we keep the things very simple and I think in the whole competition so far, we kept the thing simple. Yes, there were some tough times but we didn’t let ourselves down and we always try to come back stronger.”

The bowling all-rounder was excited about their first-ever semi-final appearance in senior Men’s cricket and believed it to be a great inspiration for the youngsters in Afghanistan.
“I think the semi-final is going to be a massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team got into the semis for the first time.”

“And we have done it at Under-19 level but at this level, we haven’t done that (before). Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in the semis. It’s an unbelievable feeling.” 
(ICC)