Abu Dhabi, September 19(HS): Afghanistan cricket coach Jonathan Trott has urged his side to deeply analyze their shortcomings following a disappointing group-stage exit from the Asia Cup. Trott highlighted that setbacks can often spur a team to reorganize and come back stronger, expressing hope that the lessons of defeat would help Afghanistan recalibrate ahead of the impending T20 World Cup.
Regarded as major contenders in the tournament, Afghanistan’s campaign ended prematurely after consecutive losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The final Group B clash saw Sri Lanka triumph by six wickets, sealing progression to the Super Four alongside Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s chase had been elevated by a blistering 22-ball 60 from Mohammad Nabi, yet the eventual total of 169/8 proved insufficient.
“It’s a frustrating and hard loss. We believed 170 was competitive after Nabi’s innings, but Sri Lanka batted superbly. Our bowling and fielding mistakes made their task easier. We lacked quality in all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding—which made victory difficult,” Trott admitted after the defeat.
He stressed that the squad had arrived with lofty goals but fell short, saying, “Now we need to reflect deeply on where we went wrong. With the T20 World Cup approaching, urgent improvement is vital. Hopefully, this failure will teach us how to return stronger.”
Trott also identified the absence of pace spearhead Naveen-ul-Haq, who missed the tournament due to injury, as a significant setback. “Not having Naveen was unfortunate. If he had been fit, circumstances might have been different. We must address bowling resources and availability,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis credited their cautious batting strategy against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack for the win. “We expected spin throughout. Kusal Perera and I played normally for 12 overs, raised the run rate, and chased confidently. Stretching the innings and exploiting the pace bowling paid off. Afghanistan have good spinners, but our plan worked,” he stated .
Afghanistan’s defeat concludes their Asia Cup journey, but with the T20 World Cup looming, Trott’s focus is firmly on adaptation and rejuvenation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
