New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) The head coach of Afghanistan, Jonathan Trott, commended opener Ibrahim Zadran for his remarkable mental fortitude after the young player scored a decisive 53 runs, leading the team to victory in their chase of 161 against the UAE. Trott noted that Ibrahim demonstrated remarkable resilience despite facing previous disappointments.

During the game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Zadran played a steady innings, scoring 53 runs off 41 deliveries. His contribution, along with Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 40, enabled Afghanistan to complete the chase with four balls to spare, despite a valiant effort from the UAE bowlers.

This win keeps Afghanistan's slim chances of advancing to the Super Eights alive, although their hopes could be dashed if New Zealand triumphs over Canada in Chennai on Tuesday. Zadran's innings included five boundaries and a six, playing a crucial role in securing Afghanistan’s initial points in the tournament.

“It was fantastic to see his mental strength. Ibrahim faced two tough matches previously. He looked promising against New Zealand and was in great form against South Africa. The key to Ibrahim’s success is his ability to recover and execute quality cricket shots, even after losing a partner early,” Trott stated during the post-match press conference.

Reflecting on the nail-biting finish, Trott emphasized the team's resilience in navigating a challenging chase, particularly after the emotionally taxing double Super Over loss to South Africa in Ahmedabad.

“We performed admirably under pressure, which is rewarding for me as a coach. Despite facing difficulties, we prevailed in a tense scenario, indicating a positive change from our previous experiences,” he noted.

Trott also called for increased exposure for Afghanistan through bilateral series in various conditions. “I advocate for more bilateral series away from home, outside the UAE and the subcontinent, to gain experience playing in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies. Such opportunities would significantly aid in the team’s development,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib dismissed the notion that the team’s first victory was a relief, stating that every match is a challenge. “Since I began playing cricket, each match has been a challenge. Relief only comes when you have a purpose and strive for it, especially after a loss like that to South Africa,” he said.

Naib emphasized that tournaments are tough, as every team is well-prepared. He noted, “Look at how Zimbabwe defeated Australia and how new teams like Italy are performing well. We used to rely heavily on our bowling for chasing, but now our batting has improved significantly.”

He acknowledged the team's growth post their double Super Over defeat, highlighting the positive team atmosphere. “High-pressure situations require commendable efforts from players. We must give credit where it's due,” he said.

Naib concluded by expressing satisfaction that the batting unit has evolved into a strong chasing side, easing the burden on the bowlers. “In the past, chasing was difficult, but now the team believes in its capability to chase effectively,” he remarked.