Review of Afghanistan's World Cup 2019 campaign
What's the story
Afghanistan signed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after failing to register a single league victory. They finished at the bottom. The country needs to be credited for putting up a fight and showing heart in CWC 19. Afghanistan need more exposure against the big teams in time to come. Here is a review of their campaign.
Character
Afghanistan scared several teams in CWC 19
Afghanistan impressed against several teams in the 2019 World Cup. They were close to pull off victories against much fancied oppositions like India, Pakistan, West Indies and Sri Lanka. However, the inexperience of handling pressure led to this situation. The promise shown in these games caught the eye. One expects Afghanistan to improve further in the near future.
Spinners
Afghan spinners did well at large
Afghan spinners performed well in the 2019 World Cup. Their three premium spinners finished with 24 scalps between them. Rashid Khan was disappointing at large, but he fought back after every blow. Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman stood out. The team was largely dependent on the spin show. With so much quality on offer, things will improve for the better.
Batting
Batting let Afghanistan down in World Cup 2019
Batting is where the Afghan side suffered immensely. Nobody went on to take that extra bit of responsibility. Players who got set, often threw their wickets away by playing expensive shots. Just one score of 250-plus tells you the story. They kept losing wickets throughout at regular intervals. This is one area Afghanistan need to improve and proper execution of plans will help them.
Information
Pace department needs work and time
Besides the batting, the Afghanistan cricket team will also need to focus on the pace bowling. They conceded aplenty, and were inconsistent. This hurt the side. Gulbadin Naib and Dawlat Zadran took nine and eight wickets respectively. Another area that needs work.
Our take
Afghanistan will emerge out stronger
More exposure of playing in foreign conditions against big teams will give them plenty of courage and the ability to learn. Also, youngsters like Ikram Ali Khil, Mujeeb and Rashid need to be nurtured well and backed to progress. They need to get in more young pacers and give them the license to express themselves. Afghanistan will be a force to reckon with soon.