Rashid Khan, the leg-spinning sensation from Afghanistan, who dominate World Twenty20 bowling chart, is of the opinion that his side is capable of beating any team at the 2019 World Cup. He is hopeful of his team delivering goods by believing in the ability of his teammates.
He has also urged them to stay focused and rely on a calm approach in the marquee clashes. While putting his weight behind fearless cricket, Rashid is keen to make things happen for Afghanistan.
“The only thing is to believe in your skills. Just to be relaxed in big matches and enjoy your game. And that’s how we should be in the World Cup,” Rashid told AFP in an interview.
The 20-year-old youngster Rashid revealed they were pretty different unit during the 2018 Asia Cup held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In addition, he added his side has the potential to beat any team on their day.
Afghanistan capable of beating any side:
Pertinently, Afghanistan has tied a game against India. In the Super-four clash, Afghanistan gave a scare to India at Dubai on September 25, 2018.
“How we played in the Asia Cup was totally different and we showed that we can beat any side,” Rashid added.
Moreover, Rashid is sitting third on the ICC ODI bowling rankings. The spin king Rashid is hopeful to bring desired results in the twelfth edition of the 2019 World Cup starting from May 30 in London.
Recently, he bagged five wickets in a historic One-off Test match against Ireland in Dehradun. Afghanistan won the Test by seven wickets to script history.
With no fear whatsoever, Afghanistan has often threatened the top-notch teams which included their six-wicket win against Windies during the 2016 World T20 at VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
While relying on the promising players, Afghanistan has improved at the international fold.
“We have the talent and we have the skills,” Rashid said regarding the temparament of the players.
Test win to motivate youngsters:
While playing their second Test match, Afghanistan breaks the duck in India. Rashid, who is concurrently representing Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), believes the maiden Test victory will encourage the cricketers at first-class level.
“The win against Ireland will help motivate our first-class cricketers,” Rashid stated.
Back in 2009, Afghanistan has achieved its ODI status which took eight years thereon, to gain the Test status in 2017 alongside Ireland.
Rashid, who himself made international debut in 2015 at the age of 17, has achieved a lot while deceiving batters double of his age. Afghanistan will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on June 1 in Bristol.
Rashid, who fetched a lucrative contract of whopping four Crore in 2017, has maintained that IPL has helped him in developing his game. Besides, he added it’s the platform to play alongside megastars.
“The IPL gives you a lot of motivation. Once you play in these leagues, it gives you confidence playing with big players,” Rashid stated.
Rashid has a wealth of experience on his back. He has featured in most of the domestic T20 professional leagues across the globe. In the previous edition of IPL, Rashid has bagged 21 scalps.
Overall, it further reads 38 scalps in 31 matches at an average of 21.47.