Asia Cup 2023 | AFG vs SL - How the Big Guns Let the Afghans Down!!

Rashid Khan made a valiant effort to take his team to the next round but failed in the end (Source: AP Photos)

The last game of the group stage between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka ended in heartbreak for the Afghans. They had to chase down a target of 292 in 37.1 overs to qualify for the super fours. Afghanistan made a valiant effort to not only winn but also stay alive in the tournament. With just 2 runs short of the target they were knocked out of the Asia Cup by losing both of their games in group B. The biggest reason for Afghanistan’s downfall is their big players not stepping up to the plate. 

Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman did not live up to their expectations. Even the performance of Rashid Khan was not up to the standards he has set in his career as a bowler. The team was under pressure due to their top players failing in the crucial stages of the game that cost them a chance to play in the super fours. 

Defeat's Narrative: Big Players' Troubles for Afghanistan

Afghanistan's performance at the Asia Cup 2023 was undeniably disappointing, as several critical issues contributed to their early exit from the competition. One of the main worries was their bowling, notably the performance of Fazalhaq Farooqi. They let the opposition score 291 runs against Sri Lanka, despite being 227/7 at one point. 

Farooqi struggled, allowing 52 runs in 7 overs at an economy rate of more than 7.4 runs per over. His inability to bowl a regular line and length, as well as the quantity of sloppy deliveries he bowled, made it simpler for the opposition batters to score freely. 

The performances of experienced bowlers like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman being below par during the Asia Cup were indeed a concern for Afghanistan. These two spinners are typically the linchpins of Afghanistan's bowling attack, and their effectiveness can greatly influence the team's success. 

In limited-overs cricket, an economy rate of more than 6 runs per over is regarded as high, and for world-class spinners like Rashid and Mujeeb, it's certainly below their usual standards. Chasing a target of 292 runs in fewer than 40 overs was always going to be a difficult challenge. 

The key to their pursuit was a strong opening partnership, which did not materialize. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an important player for Afghanistan, struggled and only managed four runs before getting dismissed in the third over. His early dismissal increased to the strain on the team, and when Ibrahim Zadran also failed to make a significant contribution and was out in the fifth over, it became clear that Afghanistan had an uphill task. 

These difficulties, along with others, contributed to Afghanistan's early exit from the Asia Cup 2023, and they will need to solve these concerns and regroup in order to do better in future tournaments.

Conclusion

Afghanistan's underperformance in key matches, particularly by prominent players, was a major source of concern throughout the Asia Cup 2023. Consistency and great performances from important players are required to thrive in international cricket. 

Afghanistan has a good squad, but they will need to work more, both individually and as a team, to provide consistent results in subsequent events. With the right focus on these aspects and the determination to learn from their mistakes, Afghanistan has the potential to bounce back and make a stronger impact in future competitions.