ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand vs Pakistan: India game boosts confidence, asserts Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan cricket team gains confidence after match against India, continues winning streak by defeating Netherlands in ongoing tournament.

In a recent statement, Jonathan Trott, the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, expressed that their match against India in the ongoing tournament has provided them with a boost of confidence. This comes after their victory against the Netherlands on Friday, extending their winning streak.

The Afghanistan team faced two initial losses in their campaign, with their second defeat against Rohit Sharma-led India in Delhi last month. During that match, Rohit Sharma showcased his brilliance by scoring a remarkable 131 runs. However, since that match, Afghanistan has managed to secure victories in four consecutive matches.

In their match against the Netherlands, both Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scored half-centuries, contributing significantly to their team's seven-wicket win. The Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat first but were dismissed for a total of 179 runs, with Sybrand Engelbrecht being the highest run-getter with 58 runs.

It is worth mentioning that the Dutch batters faced multiple run-outs, which hindered their performance. Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target, with Shah scoring an unbeaten 56 runs. With this win, Afghanistan's chances of qualifying for the top four have increased, as they currently hold the fifth position with eight points. Their previous victories include triumphs over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

During a post-match press conference, Trott shared that the match against India played a crucial role in boosting the team's confidence. He emphasized the importance of playing close games and gradually dominating their opponents in subsequent matches.

Trott expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance against the Netherlands, highlighting its significance in preparing for upcoming matches against South Africa and Australia. These two matches will be crucial for Afghanistan's progress in the tournament.

He stated, "I think we saw a bit of form coming into the side against India. We lost the game but that gave us a bit of confidence. I said we'd lost so many close games leading into the series against Pakistan and then in the Asia Cup. I just said 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."

Trott further acknowledged that there are areas that need improvement but also highlighted the positive aspects that will benefit the team in their upcoming matches against Australia and South Africa. He expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the team's victory, emphasizing the importance of continued hard work and preparation for the next match in Mumbai.

In conclusion, Trott's positive outlook and the team's recent victories have undoubtedly boosted Afghanistan's confidence and chances of success in the ongoing tournament. With their strong performance against the Netherlands and the lessons learned from their match against India, Afghanistan is determined to continue their winning streak and make a mark in the upcoming matches against formidable opponents.

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