Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan’s coach, expressed his belief in the boundless potential of the young talents in the Afghan cricket team, who played a pivotal role in defeating Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup on Monday.
On his World Cup debut, 18-year-old leg-spinner Noor Ahmad made a significant impact, claiming three wickets for 49 runs, which included the dismissals of Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and the prolific run-scorer Mohammad Rizwan.
The opening batsmen, 21-year-old Ibrahim Zadran, with a score of 87, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who contributed 65, established a commanding partnership of 130 runs for the first wicket, setting the stage for Afghanistan’s remarkable eight-wicket victory.
Former England batsman Jonathan Trott remarked, “I think the two opening batters that we have are very, very exceptionally talented young players, and the sky’s the limit for both of them. They’re different types of players, and my message to them is just keep growing your own game and play your own way.”
Trott continued, “We saw tonight how well they can play and how much pressure they can put on opposition bowlers, including world-class bowlers.”
Gurbaz, who is just 14 days older than Zadran, has already notched up five centuries and four fifties in his 31-match ODI career, with a crucial 80 in the earlier victory over defending champions England at the World Cup. Zadran has accumulated four centuries and five fifties in 24 games, boasting an average of just under 50.
Trott emphasized the significance of the strong start provided by Ibrahim and Gurbaz: “I think that’s always good when you’re chasing a total like that; you need a good start, and there’s less pressure on the players coming in. They were outstanding.”
Despite his youth, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad has already experienced the spotlight. In December 2020, at the age of 15, he was signed by the Melbourne Renegades to play in the Big Bash League. Monday marked only his fourth ODI appearance, having featured in one Twenty20 international, where he made a remarkable debut, claiming 4-10 against Zimbabwe last year when he was just 17.
Trott spoke highly of Noor’s potential, saying, “The sky’s the limit for him too. You know, you take the mitt to him, you’re standing up when he’s practicing, you hear that ball fizzing. It’s a real talent for such a young lad to be able to get that many revolutions on the ball and spin it as much as he does. That’s all I say to him: just keep spinning it as much as you can.”
Afghanistan’s victory on Monday marked their second win at the World Cup, along with three defeats, reigniting their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Their next challenge will be against the 1996 champions, Sri Lanka, in Pune next Monday.
Trott remained optimistic, stating, “There have been many World Cups where teams have lost and then gained form at the end of the World Cup and gone on to win crucial games.”
While Trott acknowledged that a victory over Sri Lanka, who have only secured one win so far, might be considered an upset, he also emphasized the talent and potential of the Afghan team, saying, “I think when we say an upset, I think it’s a disservice to the guys in the changing room.”
