Isakhel eyes qualification for 2nd round of World Cup

KABUL Cup is his first priority.

Amid best wishes from President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah, the Afghanistan team left for Australia on Friday to make its debut in the World Cup, commencing from Feb. 14.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News before leaving for Australia, Nabi Isakhel promised his boys would go flat-out to measure up to people’s expectations and showing their mettle in World Cup matches.

“Although we launched preparations for the World Cup last year, we have played a number of practice matches at home and abroad over the past three months. So our players are in good shape,” he said.

The captain praised the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for hiring foreign fielding, bowling and batting coaches. As a result of hard efforts ny the coaches, he said, players had improved in all the three departments.

“Previously, we encountered certain fielding problems, which have been minimised with the help of these coaches,” Isakhel noted, insisting the team had grown in strength, improved its skills and enhanced its fitness.

He particularly hailed Hameed Hasan Shinwari’s return to the lineup as a positive development, saying the cricketer had shown complete fitness. Shinwari suffered a knee injury during a game in the UAE some years back. 

During their visits to Australia and New Zealand some months ago, the Afghans had become familiar with climatic conditions and and behaviour of pitches down under. The visitors won at least four matches during the tour.

“So, that was a useful tour. Even now, we have the opportunity and time to play some practice matches there ahead of the World Cup,” remarked the skipper, saying they would do their best to find their way to the second round.

Optimistic of winning at least three group matches, he said they would try to outplay Bangladesh a team that Afghanistan outclassed in last year’s ACC Cup, in the opening duel of the mega event.

“On February 18, we’ll take to the ground with a positive frame of mind to mount pressure on Bangladesh,” observed Isakhel, who hoped Afghanistan would be able to overcome Scotland as well. 

Placed together with Afghanistan in Group A are Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Scotland. He pinned his hopes on fast bowlers steering their side to triumph in group encounters.

With regard to his personal form and fitness, Isakhel said there were good and bad days in the career of every player. “Virat Kohli of India failed to impress with the bat during the recent tour of England, but he smashed four tons on the trot in Australia.”  

Focused on dealing with his shortcomings, he said the foreign coaches had helped him a lot in this regard. Urging the countrymen to pray for their success, he hoped Afghanistan would live up to their reputation.

On Friday, Ghani told the cricketers and ACB officials the entire nation prayed for their success in the mega event. The Afghans were proud of the team bringing laurels to their country, he added.

CEO Abdullah saw off the Australia-bound squad at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. He hoped the national side would prove its mettle and bring more honours to the country. 

mud

Visits: 1