Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan took to social media and shared an emotional post after the team’s loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final in Trinidad. Afghanistan was routed by the Proteas by 9 wickets after the Asian side was bowled out for 56 runs.

“We will always remember this T20 World Cup! The fight put ahead by everyone on this team is commendable and I’m proud of all of us! We will continue to build from here and come back with more grit in the next one. Thank you to each and every one who believed in us and helped us to keep the fight on,” Rashid posted on X.

At the post-match presentation, the Afghanistan skipper did not hide his disappointment after going down to South Africa in a one-sided semifinal. However, the spinner believes his side, which reached its maiden semifinals, has learned a lot from this tournament.

“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn’t allow us to do what we wanted. That’s how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us.

What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough and pressure situations,” he noted.

The 25-year-old said the Afghan bowlers too did just fine throughout the event.

“I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even (Mohammad) Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners. We will accept playing a semifinal and losing to a top side like South Africa,” he added.

(PTI input)