Mohammad Shahzad and Hashmatullah Shahidi have insisted that Afghanistan are better-prepared side this time as compared to last World Cup, saying they are aiming to give their best to beat the oppositions in the upcoming 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup to be held in England and Wales.

While the spin attack still remains their main weapon in the showpiece event, Afghanistan will be heading into the World Cup 2019 with an arsenal of experienced cricketers and promising youngsters with likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Zahir Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their ranks.  

As per reports in ICC’s website, Shahidi told media, “Now, it is not like it was before. In 2015, people said it is a proud moment that Afghanistan are a part of the World Cup. It is not the time for that. Now, it is time to say this to everyone else: ‘Wake up, Afghanistan is coming!”

Meanwhile, Shahzad added that Afghanistan has a strong lineup that are able to give a tough competition to the teams in the World Cup, starting from 30 May.

Shahzad noted, “We could beat just one team, Scotland, in the 2015 World Cup, this time we are better prepared with spinners like Mujeeb, Rashid, Nabi and Zahir Khan in our ranks. We are trying our best to perform better in the 2019 World Cup and beat four-five teams in the competition.”

However, Afghanistan has been a strong team in the sub-continent over the years, but lack of experience in England could make things difficult for the team, though, Shahidi is not much concerned as the side are going to the UK early to adjust to the conditions here ahead of the mega ICC event.

Shahidi signed off by saying, “The conditions will be tricky, but many (Afghanistan) players have been to England before and know how to play there. Our team is going to Scotland and Ireland before the World Cup and it will be good preparation for us. We are also going to England early.”

(With ICC Inputs)