Jonathan Trott who is Afghanistan coach hopes that his team’s incredible run in the T20 World Cup, which ended on Wednesday in the semi-final match, had encouraged young people in the war-torn country to play cricket.
South Africa advanced to the final where they will be playing either against India or current holder England after thrashing Afghanistan by 9 wickets.
Afghanistan opted to bat first at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and were dismissed for just 56 runs inside 11.5 overs.
Trott said he was “very proud” of his charges, but admitted they had struggled with nerves during their first ever World Cup semifinal.
“This is a lot emotionally and physically to process so all this new territory for guys and it all adds up,” explained Trott, from South Africa originally but an ex-English batsman agreeing that “We got outplayed.”
Accordingly, AFP quoted him as saying: “I am sure the guys hopefully learn from this experience.”
“(Learn) what it takes to play international cricket and play against a bowling side like South Africa on a pitch that’s perhaps not conducive to high-scoring.
“Today we found ways of winning games;” however today we didn’t find a way,” he added while revealing that his team was disappointed despite surpassing everyone’s expectations by reaching top four.
“Obviously it hurts at the moment,” said Trott.
“We arrived at the ground quite lively ready to face a strong South African side and give our best shot there.
“I feel like we haven’t done that today so that’s the most disappointing thing.
“I’m happy with my guys. This won’t define everything else about how this tournament has gone.”
During one of his interviews Jonathan referred Afghanistan’s journey through World Cup as “a great ride”, highlighting victories over Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh as well as semi-finals achievement.
For four decades scarred by strife, political instability, violence, humanitarian and economic crisis, the team provided rare moments of national jubilation in a country that has been bereft of them.
“And hopefully we have inspired young kids to pick up a bat and a ball and play cricket, and want to play for your country and just that everyone is proud of us,” said Trott.
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