Ravichandran Ashwin recently commented on Gulbadin Naib faking an injury to squander time in Afghanistan’s 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Bangladesh. When Bangladesh fell two runs behind the DLS par score, Afghan coach Jonathan Trott instructed his team to slow down the game as it began to drizzle.
Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned that many fans and experts have requested that Naib be punished for his acts. However, the Indian spinner highlighted that the all-rounder was simply attempting to help his team advance to the semi-finals.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin stated:
“Gulbadin Naib fell that way. Everyone said that is a penalizable offense. But what the hell, man? The guy is playing for his country. Trying to win a World Cup, qualify.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin also mentioned how Afghan players are giving their all for one other in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Here is what Ravichandran Ashwin said about the Rashid Khan led team’s zeal and unity:
“In Afghanistan, it is not just momentum. It is a country with so much hope. They are playing for one another. This playing for one another, we can say a thousand things about it. We can say it to so many people. Doesn’t India play for one another? For the badge? Of course. But Afghanistan, at this stage of their cricketing journey, are playing for one another like I have never seen anything like this.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs (DLS method) in the final Super 8 match. They finished the Super 8 stage with four points from as many games, advancing to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal.
Robin Uthappa Identifies Rahmanullah Gurbaz as Afghanistan’s Crucial Player for 2024 T20 World Cup Semifinals
In the same video, Robin Uthappa predicted that Afghanistan opener Rahmunullah Gurbaz would play a crucial role in his team’s 2024 T20 World Cup quarterfinals versus South Africa.
He predicted that the adventurous batter’s performance would have a considerable influence on the outcome. Uthappa commented:
“If you look at Afghanistan from that angle, for me, Gurbaz is going to be the most important player. The way he performs tomorrow will have a big impact on whether Afghanistan will win or lose.”
Robin Uthappa
Gurbaz is currently leading the pack in the 2024 T20 World Cup having accumulated an impressive 281 runs across seven matches. His striking rate of 126.00 and an average of 40.14 portray him as a standout performer in the tournament.
Uthappa pointed out that while Afghanistan enjoys the current momentum their significant dependence on players like Gurbaz Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai could pose a challenge noting:
“I have a feeling that Afghanistan has a bit of momentum. But the one thing that can let Afghanistan down is their batting. They are heavily dependent on the likes of Gurbaz, Omarzai and Zadran.”
Robin Uthappa
The cricketer-turned-commentator also stated that South Africa has a great bowling squad, but their batting hasn’t fully met expectations, elaborating:
“And South Africa have a gun fast-bowling line-up. And Keshav Maharaj and Tabresh Shamsi are bowling like a dream at the moment. But their batting has not really come to the party, so to speak, completely. We have seen it in patches. We have seen Quinton de Kock back in form, which has been fantastic. Aiden Markram struggling to form. And we have seen Reeza Hendricks struggling to form. David Miller has been in good form. Last two games have been a little off for him. So, for me, I feel it’s going to be the bowling attack. This game is going to be Afghanistan bowling vs South Africa bowling.”
Robin Uthappa
Afghanistan and South Africa are on course for a thrilling encounter in the inaugural semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. This highlyanticipated clash is scheduled to transpire in Trinidad on Thursday June 27 (IST).