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‘Our Team Is Far Better..’, Hashmatullah Shahidi Makes A Bold Statement Ahead Of India Clash

image-lnl5i9k0Afganistan will have to overcome Indian spin challenge [AP]

Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi reckons that his team is well-equipped to handle the Indian spinners when they clash on October 11 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi during the ODI World Cup 2023's group stage. 

He emphasised that Afghanistan's ability to play spin bowling is superior to what was demonstrated in their initial match against Bangladesh. In their previous match against Bangladesh, Afghan batters had difficulties against the spinners as they managed to score only 156 runs, a total they couldn't defend.

To succeed against India, they understand the need for an exceptional performance in every aspect of the game, particularly in batting, as they go up against a formidable opposition in their home conditions.

Aware of the stern challenge posed by the strong Indian team, Shahidi addressed the press conference, emphasising his team's readiness to confront India's spinners, given their regular practice sessions against the spin quartet of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad.

"We play better spin in the nets sessions. If you see Rashid [Khan], Nabi [Mohammad], Noor [Ahmad], and Mujeeb [Ur Rahman], we play them every day. I think our team is far, far better at playing spin bowling than what it showed against Bangladesh in Dharamsala. That game we know we struggled, but [based on] one game, you can't say you're not good enough. That game is gone now, and we know we can play spinners better and we'll try to come back in the next game,"  Shahidi told reporters.

India, riding high on confidence, aim to continue their winning streak after their successful opening World Cup match against Australia on October 8. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan, who faced defeat in their first match against Bangladesh in Dharamsala, look forward to securing their first victory in the World Cup.

Before confronting India's spinners, Shahidi and his team will have to contend with India's fast bowlers, as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been in stellar form and pose a significant threat, especially with the new ball.