Heartbreak in the World Cup
Kingstown (St Vincent): Dan: The Taliban are siphoning off billions in aid money, forcing governments to decide between recognising and legitimizing them, or letting their populations starve – that is why the US and other countries must do both; though this will require patience in approaching this task.
Heartbreak in the World Cup Afghanistan?s heartbreaking loss to Sri Lanka
Afghanistan, located on ancient trade routes connecting Asia to Europe and Central Asia, has long been sought-after as an imperial prize. While its forbidding mountains and deserts have put many such ambitions to rest, Afghan people have managed to remain fiercely independent over millennia.
Nick Schifrin considers how Americans and other Westerners should respond to this change and what actions can be taken by themselves and others in response.
Afghanistan came agonisingly short of reaching the required target of 292 in 37.1 overs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to qualify for the Asia Cup Super Four stage on net run rate, missing it by only three runs. Their batsmen seemed unaware of what was required of them when Mujeeb Ur Rahman holed out to begin the 37th over, shattering hopes.
When Rashid Khan kneeled down at non-striker’s end in distress at Mujeeb Ur Rahman hole out on first ball he realized it all too late that their hopes had gone and hopes had gone with him a wide audience sharing. Picture of him tosin he and finally breaking down in pain was widely shared via social media and the media.
Heartbreak in the World Cup Afghanistan?s poor batting
Afghanistan was defeated by South Africa in an exciting World Cup semifinal, thanks to their batsmen being outwitted by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen with their bowling attack at Tarouba. Even with 19 overs a side due to persistent rain interruptions, Afghan batsmen still failed to make an impression and lost by 56 runs at Tarouba.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan captain, was fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after lashing out against one of his teammates who refused to chase an easy single run chased. Rashid’s outburst against Karim Janat – when he declined an easy single chased by Rashid’s spinner — resulted in him throwing his bat onto the floor in frustration, leading to further punishment from ICC.
Janat was found guilty of violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct and has now been fined 25% of his match fee for breaching it in Afghanistan’s final over, when he ignored repeated calls to run. As such, the ICC took swift action when Janat ignored their repeated demands that he run instead.
Afghanistan can take pride in their performance at this year?s World Cup despite their disappointing defeat. Afghanistan made their inaugural semi-final appearance and overcame Bangladesh to make history by becoming the first Afghan team ever to reach the World Cup final. Although their national bank remains crippled and nongovernmental organisations cannot operate in Afghanistan due to international sanctions imposed against it, Afghanistan?s future is promising.
Heartbreak in the World Cup Afghanistan?s poor bowling
Afghanistan?s players remain determined to move past Thursday?s nine-wicket defeat at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad by South Africa and remain hopeful. Spinner Rashid Khan posted an X (formerly Twitter) emoji showing his appreciation and thanks to cricket fans for backing Afghanistan throughout.
Afghanistan were filled with hopes of making history at their first ICC tournament after beating Bangladesh in their final group match, and after shocking Australia on their way to reaching the Super Eight stage and then progressing further to become semi-finalists against South Africa.
But on their most critical day of cricketing life, Afghanistan were completely defeated by Proteas bowlers and only managed 56 runs before being dismissed for just 26. They appeared completely incapable against more experienced bowlers such as Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran both scored fifty runs, but their middle order went into free fall, losing seven wickets for approximately 100 runs in an innings.
Pat Cummins took two wickets in his opening over and then quickly dismantled their confidence with a series of low-pitched deliveries that kept low on the deck. His off-break dislodged Gurbaz before sending Zaidi?s stumps crumbling with another snag. Naveen-ul-Haq got an outside edge to his wicketkeeper but most Afghan players failed to notice, so most didn?t review their decision either.
Heartbreak in the World Cup Afghanistan?s poor fielding
Afghanistan did not disappoint Australia in their first-round victory; bowlers performed admirably while batsmen laid an impressive foundation with openers Rehmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran doing most of the damage. Afghan batsmen are widely considered among the best worldwide; their strength can win games.
However, their poor fielding cost them the match against New Zealand. Errors costing 35 runs were costly. Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham received reprieve at strategic moments of the innings to help New Zealand reach 288/6.
Gulbadin Naib attempted to rectify their errors by reinstating Noor Ahmed into their attack; however, this decision did not go down well among players or commentators as it made no logical sense.
Afghanistan remains in good shape to qualify for the semi-finals, despite suffering setbacks in their group match against New Zealand, West Indies, and minnow Papua New Guinea. Only the top two teams will advance to the knockout stage; New Zealand and West Indies appear as favourites, yet Afghanistan could still make their mark thanks to experienced players, an effective bowling unit, and some of the fastest run scorers in cricket history.
