Champions Trophy: Afghanistan's Shahidi reflects on batting struggles after 107-run loss
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Synopsis
Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged the team's batting deficiencies following a significant 107-run defeat to South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy opener. Chasing 316, Afghanistan faltered despite Rahmat Shah's valiant 90, unable to recover in a challenging match at the National Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa secured a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan.
- Afghanistan struggled with their batting, failing to chase a target of 316.
- Rahmat Shah scored a commendable 90 under pressure.
- Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century, contributing significantly to South Africa's total.
- Afghanistan's next matches will be crucial for their tournament progression.
Karachi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged that his team struggled with their batting performance following a significant 107-run loss to South Africa in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy at the National Stadium. Pursuing a challenging target of 316, Afghanistan stumbled early and couldn't recover, despite a commendable 90 from Rahmat Shah.
“Our batting was inadequate today. The pitch provided assistance to the bowlers during the second innings. While we bowled well, our batting in the initial 20 overs was lacking,” Shahidi remarked post-match. “Winning the toss was crucial; the conditions were not typical for Karachi. Their bowlers also performed admirably.”
South Africa, with Ryan Rickelton scoring his first ODI century, set a formidable score of 315/6 before their fast bowlers dismantled the Afghan batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen collectively restricted Afghanistan to 208 in just 43.3 overs.
Choosing to bat first, South Africa constructed their innings on the foundation of Rickelton’s103. The left-handed batsman, following an outstanding SA20 season, strategically paced his innings, building significant partnerships with Temba Bavuma (58) and Rassie van der Dussen (52).
Despite an impressive 129-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma, Afghanistan's spinners managed to regain some control during the middle overs. Nonetheless, late innings contributions from Aiden Markram (52*) and David Miller helped South Africa surpass the 300-run barrier.
In the evening session, South Africa's pace attack quickly put Afghanistan on the defensive. Jansen and Ngidi exploited the pitch's bounce and movement, claiming quick wickets through their relentless pressure.
“We are capable of fighting back, but we didn’t perform as expected,” Shahidi admitted. “We have two matches remaining, so we will move on from this and focus ahead. Rahmat played exceptionally during challenging times, and we consider that a positive. Inshallah, we will exhibit quality cricket in our next two games.”
Despite the wickets falling at the other end, Rahmat Shah showcased remarkable composure and resilience. He achieved his half-century in just 62 balls, employing calculated shots to keep the scoreboard moving. Although not flashy, his innings reflected his technique and poise under pressure.
Rabada (3/36) ensured that South Africa celebrated a convincing ODI victory after several matches. This win gives them an early advantage in Group B, while Afghanistan must regroup swiftly for their upcoming matches.
