Following a rush of adrenaline on Saturday night, India and Afghanistan game has culminated with hearts skipping a beat or so. Also, Afghans were restricted at 213 in 49.5 overs after they were chasing a modest target of 225 at sluggish Southampton in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.
Meanwhile, despite a loss skipper Gulbadin Naib has credited Afghanistan players for their spirited performance. He added they had missed a massive opportunity to cross over the line against a premium side of the world cricket.
Had they been able to do so, they would have registered one of the biggest upsets in ODI history.
Naib, who rued the opportunity to create history, also spoke like a fan at the post-match press conference. After lamenting the close loss, Naib has admitted the fact that he is a fan of Team India skipper Virat Kohli.
Also, over the years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) share a good bond in terms of playing a mutual role on the cricketing aspect.
Furthermore, Afghanistan has a home base in Dehradun apart from Noida to enjoy their cricket.
The 28-year-old Naib in his press conference reiterated that India is a remarkable team in the contemporary cricket. He revealed that he supports the Men in Blue when he watches cricket off the ground in particular.
“We missed the opportunity to beat India. India is one of the best sides. It is always my favourite team. I support Indian team when I watch cricket. My favourite player is also Virat Kohli and I played against them. India is one of the best teams now,” Naib told reporters in Southampton.
So far, Afghanistan has lost all their six matches as they are set to face Bangladesh on June 24. Following a gusty show, they’ll be keen to trouble the Tigers. Concurrently, they’re high on confidence following a notable performance against India.
Afghanistan is languishing on the bottom of the table.
Here’s the statement from Gulbadin Naib:
Gulbadin Naib speaking like a fan "India is my favourite team and I support Indian team. My favourite is also Virat Kohli" #CWC19 #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/5ZFENNjBvT
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 23, 2019