India
Rashid Khan is on a roll. After shining for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, the 19-year-old joined the Afghanistan cricket team for national duty in Dehradun to take on Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series and came out with flying colours.
The in-form spinner, who bagged 21 wickets in 17 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, stepped up and gave clinical performance to star in Afghanistan’s 45-run victory over Bangladesh. He finished with figures of 3-0-13-3.
The win ensured the hosts 1-0 lead in the series and provided impressive brand of cricket to the spectators who came out in large numbers to witness first international game in their vicinity. Ahead of the match, Rashid was the cynosure of all eyes as fans cheered him from the stands.
Speaking after the match, Rashid said, “There was no secret, I just kept everything simple, did everything I’ve been doing in the last 2-3 months. I had no specific plans when I came on after 10 overs. Just bowl a little back of a length, not too full for the batsman to hit.
“It was a good surface, ball was gripping. Little bit of dew in the end, but with that dew it was gripping better. We just played IPL and it’s the biggest stage and the biggest platform, so the confidence will help you in these games. It was a team effort.”
Rashid was introduced by captain Asghar Stanikzai in the 11th over and on the very first ball, he removed Mushfiqur Rahim, followed by another dismissal in Sabbir Rahman for a duck in the very same over.
Throwing light on the experience he has gained over the last two years, Rashid, said, “Since I started playing for Afghanistan, I have learnt a lot and remained positive. Also, I have made it sure that I enjoy the game at the same time. IPL 2018 was very good for me. It definitely made me more accomplished.”
Rashid, who comes Nangarhar, also became the second fastest bowler to claim 50 wickets in T20 cricket after claiming three wickets on Sunday. When Afghanistan take on heavy-weight India in their first Test match Bengaluru, Rashid will again be spotlight.
