"Not something that brought a massive difference in the game"- Rashid Khan defends Gulbadin Naib's contentious 'injury' during AFG-BAN clash
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan defended all-rounder Gulbadin Naib's controversial injury during the crucial 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight encounter against Bangladesh at St.Vincent on June 24. Afghanistan's semi-final hopes were on the line with Bangladesh two runs behind the D/L score, when it began pouring.
In an attempt to delay proceedings upon instructions from head coach Jonathan Trott, Naib suddenly went down and held his leg, suggesting an injury. That had the on-field commentators questioning Afghanistan's intentions, with even skipper Rashid Khan seemingly not happy with it.
Play resumed soon and Afghanistan completed a thrilling eight-run victory to book their place in the semi-final.
While social media has been questioning Naib's "injury" to delay play, Rashid defended the all-rounder at the post-match press conference.
"Well, he had some cramp, I don't know what happened to him and I don't know what's going on in social media but that doesn't matter. It's just an on-field injury which happens, the rain came and we just went off, it's not something [that] brought a massive difference in the game. We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it's just like a small injury happens, then you have to take some time," said Rashid.
Incidentally, Naib immidiately returned to the field after the rain break despite limping off earlier, and bowled the crucial 15th and 17th overs.
He picked up a wicket and conceded only five runs to further tighten the screws on the Bangladesh innings.
"I think we deserve to be in the semis" - Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan was delighted with Afghanistan's stunning performance to qualify for the the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.
The side upstaged New Zealand to qualify for the Super Eights, where they pulled off a sensational 21-run win over Australia before the Bangladesh clash. It is the first time Afghanistan will partake in the semi-final of an ICC event.
"It's a big achievement for us being in the semifinals and yeah, I think the cricket we have played in the whole tournament so far - I think we deserve to be in the semis. The way everyone took the responsibility of getting into the game and performing [at their] best for the team. So, I don't know how I can describe my feeling but it's a massive achievement for us as a team and as a nation to be in the semis and now looking forward to the semis," said Rashid.
Rashid starred with bat and ball in the Bangladesh game, with a 10-ball 19* and figures of 4/23 in four overs.
His men will take on South Africa in the first semi-final at Trinidad on Wednesday, June 26.