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'The Game Against India...' - Trott Underlines Key Moment For Afghanistan's Incredible Comeback

image-lojrb8egAfghanistan now have four wins in WC 2023 (AP Photo)

Starting off the ICC World Cup 2023 with disappointing losses against Bangladesh and India, Afghanistan looked down in the mud with their allround game, lacking the experience and 50-over nous required to overcome stiff oppositions at a marquee tournament. 

What has followed since, however, has been nothing short of a miracle as the spirited Afghans have upstaged England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands in the most clinical fashion to not only stand alive in the knock-outs race but also secure a maiden spot in the Champions Trophy. 

For the outside world, the incredible turnaround may have begun with the remarkable upset victories over England and Pakistan. However, head coach Jonathan Trott believes it's the fighting attitude and resilience shown by his troops in parts of the marquee clash versus India in Delhi which inspired them to great heights. 

Trott said the way Afghanistan posted a competitive score at the Feroz Shah Kotla against a robust Indian bowling attack reinstilled a sense of belief within the batting line-up after a horrendous collapse in the opening game versus Bangladesh. 


Trott recalls India game as key turning point 

After being bundled out for 156 in Dharamsala in a defeat that might haunt them in the semifinals race, Afghanistan packed the punch on a good batting square in Delhi to post 272/8 in their 50 overs versus Jasprit Bumrah & company. 

Precariously placed at 63/3 at one stage, the Afghans found valiant half-centuries from skipper Shahidi (80) and young allrounder Azmat Omarzai (62) to give themselves an outside chance. 

Even though Rohit Sharma blasted a century from there on and suppressed their hopes in the second half, Trott believes the zeal and the confidence shown by the batting unit that day kept the spirits high and helped revive his team's fortunes. 

"I think we saw a bit of form coming into the side against India. Obviously, we lost the game but then that gave us a bit of confidence," Trott was quoted as saying after the comprehensive win over the Dutch in Lucknow on Friday (November 3). 


"We just need to start 1-1 or 2 and we'll get that confidence and belief and a bit of a spring in our step and that we can win those close games but also dominate games if we get the opportunity to," he added.