Afghanistan players can control pressure only by playing top teams regularly: Assistant coach Raees Ahmadzai

The team performed well in the Asia Cup [PC: Twitter]

The Afghanistan team are a group of mavericks, when it comes to T20 cricket. With an array of hard-hitting batters, coupled with a battery of fast and spin bowlers, the Afghan side are a force to be reckoned with, as seen in the Asia Cup 2022.

Mohammad Nabi-led XI came inches closer to winning games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage, where the side tapered off in the final moment of the match.

However, against India last evening, Afghanistan were dealt a humbling 101-run defeat that ended their six-nation campaign with two wins and three losses. Since 2021, Afghanistan have played against Ireland, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. 

Assistant coach Raees Ahmadzai urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and full-member nations to play Afghanistan more often than just during multination events.

"It's important for a team like us to play against top-level teams. It's not easy. I can't remember when we last played India or Pakistan. Playing one or two matches against them in top-level tournaments is not enough. It will help if we play them more often. Only then can our players learn to control their emotions, control pressure and learn from [the experience]. I feel we deserve that,"

Ahmadzai further expanded on learning from watching players from other nations perform.  

"If you're playing against the big names, the big stars, you always get to learn a lot. During the tournament we spent some time with the Pakistani and Sri Lankan players also. It was a good experience, something our players can learn [from] and apply at the World Cup."

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