Nabi acknowledges dismal batting in World Cup

KABUL Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nabi, who arrived with other teammates in Kabul, was talking to Pajhwok Afghan News at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) leaders, lawmakers, government officials and fans warmly received the players.

“We had made elaborate preparations for the World Cup. Our coaches did their best to train us, but the luck was not on our side and we could not prove our mettle,” he remarked.

Nabi admitted Afghan batsmen had failed ill their matches, but the bowling and fielding had been outstanding. “I myself failed. If our batsmen had played well, we would have made it to the quarter-finals.”

The skipper thanked the Afghans for remembering them in their prayers and appreciating their national players and according them a warm reception.

He said though they could not play very well, their first time appearance in the mega event was itself a great honour for Afghanistan. Nabi said they learned many things from their World Cup experience.

Issakhel also expressed concern over the death of a cricket fan in eastern city of Jalalabad as a result a celebratory firing over Afghanistan’s only victory against Scotland in the World Cup.

He said they would benefit in future games from the experience they gained in World Cup matches against the best sides.

ACB chairman Nasim Danish once again said they were satisfied with the team’s performance in the World Cup.

He said playing in the World Cup was a great honour for Afghanistan, which finished their campaign with a solitary win. He said international experts had praised the team. Coaches and the selection committee would be asked questions about some shortcomings in the national side.

Placed in Group A with Australia, New Zealand, Sari Lanka, England, Scotland and Bangladesh, Afghanistan won the only match against Scotland after a nail-biting thriller.

ma/mud

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