Sport

‘I can sleep better now’, says Rashid Khan after Afghanistan’s win over Australia

“It’s a great achievement. And they were the winners of 2021 World Cup. So, beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well,” Rashid said.

Published

1 year ago

June 23, 2024

Ariana News

Shortly after Afghanistan’s thrilling win against Australia in their T20 World Cup match, captain Rashid Khan compared Sunday’s game to the one against the same team seven months ago during the ODI World Cup in India.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Rashid compared the contrasting moods of the two games and how the defeat in Mumbai had shaken him up.

“I think I can sleep better now. But that [Mumbai] was a night which didn’t let me sleep,” said Rashid.

The team had come very close to a similar result last year but a freak knock of the highest order from Glenn Maxwell denied them a win at the time.

This time around, it was a very different story and Rashid’s men held their nerve to thump Australia.

“The game [in India] kept coming into my mind. It was 90 plus percent we were in the game and Maxi, the way he played that night, took the game away from us. I didn’t sleep the whole night and I feel like tonight because of the happiness I won’t be able to sleep. That’s how happy the whole team and the whole country.

“And it’s a massive win for us as a team, as a nation. It’s not just like a bilateral game. It’s a World Cup game, and definitely in a World Cup, you’re beating the best side.

“It’s a great achievement. And they were the winners of 2021 World Cup. So, beating a team like that, I think it always gives you so much energy and doesn’t let you sleep as well,” he said.

With a challenging target of 149 on a dry spinning surface, Australia were up against it from the moment they lost Travis Head in the first over of the chase.

They needed a fast start to ensure that they didn’t need to take too many risks off Afghanistan’s potent spin attack but that wasn’t to be.

However, Maxwell appeared to bat on a different surface as his unconventional methods disrupted the bowlers even as wickets fell around him.

Cricbuzz reports that the difference between the Wankhede defeat and this game was the way in which Afghanistan’s bowlers managed to hold their composure when under pressure and Rashid credited bowling coach Dwayne Bravo, who was constantly seen at the boundary rope, chatting to the Afghanistan players.

“Well, I think we as a team, we have the kind of batters, the bowlers where they always need that reminder,” Rashid said.

“Sometimes they forget the things what we discuss in the meeting. [When the] coach is here and he’s looking at me, he knows as well, especially in the batting department. Whenever we forget some things we discuss in the meeting, coach is there, head coach, he keeps reminding them. And that’s something which for a side like this, you need to have those people who remind the things to you.

“And same with DJ (Bravo); the bowlers sometimes in the heat of the moment of the game, they forget the things what we planned for specific batsman and DJ is always there to remind them what we had planned and what we are doing.

“So that’s the kind of discussion we always have and I feel there are some players who need reminders, some players they have things in their mind and experience. So, our side, once they are well guided, I think they know where to go and how to deliver,” Rashid said.

Afghanistan also didn’t shy away from getting on Australia’s nerves on the field, with wicket-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz giving a heavy dosage of comments to Marcus Stoinis. Rashid felt that such characters were crucial for a team to maintain a high level of intensity, especially during testing times.

“Well, some guys in the team, they need that kind of fire. Once they keep silent, they forget how good they are and they need the kind of fire up in the middle. And to be honest, in this game, most happiest thing I have seen was the running between the wickets between Ibrahim and Gurbaz. And it all came from those sledging, I feel.

“They had that kind of conversation. While watching from outside, I felt like they had the competition with the fielders. I’m going to take two runs, I’m going to take one run and things like that. So, what happened with that is it kept them involved in the game, and they focused on scoring runs,” Rashid said.

“I think the advantage went to us because we had that perfect 100 run partnership. On a wicket like this, I think it’s always a wicket of 130-140. If you have a good bowling lineup, we have seen a few games before as well.

“So yeah, I think we should keep him [Gurbaz] the same in upcoming games as well… where he gets his own energy but we don’t want him to keep quiet. That’s something some players do need – that fire-up.”

Sunday’s win meanwhile comes after Cricket Australia repeatedly backed out of bilateral cricket with Afghanistan on the grounds of their opposition not having a women’s team.

Rashid alongside Mohammad Nabi had often spoken up about the cancellation of these bilateral series, voicing their strong disapproval over Australia’s stand on the issue, Cricbuzz reported.

However, in his post-match speech Sunday, Rashid chose to play down the sentiment of “revenge”. “Well, we are sportsmen and we love sports. People back home, they love sports.”

Refusing to get drawn in on politics, he went on to say “I don’t know much about these things and I don’t like it as well … my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone.”

Afghanistan will face Bangladesh on Tuesday in the last of their Super 8 matches.

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IPL 2026: Teams take shape after auction as franchises balance star power and depth

Big-money overseas signings, bold investments in uncapped Indian players and a renewed focus on squad depth were among the key themes to emerge.

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2 days ago

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The ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have finalized their squads for the 2026 season following a busy mini-auction, with teams taking contrasting approaches as they prepare for the new campaign.

Big-money overseas signings, bold investments in uncapped Indian players and a renewed focus on squad depth were among the key themes to emerge.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) drew the most attention after spending a large portion of their purse on two uncapped players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, signalling a shift from their traditionally experience-driven strategy. While the additions of Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry offer tactical flexibility, questions remain over inexperience in the middle order and bowling unit.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) largely retained their core, underlining confidence in a settled squad. The return of Venkatesh Iyer at a significantly lower price strengthens their top order, while Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav add depth to the pace attack without disrupting team balance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) adopted a more cautious approach despite having a healthy purse. Their standout buy was England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, but the exit of Mohammed Shami has left concerns over their pace resources. An inexperienced spin unit will also be tested across conditions.

Mumbai Indians (MI) entered the auction with few gaps to fill and focused on value buys. Securing Quinton de Kock at base price and adding more all-rounders has given MI flexibility, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most balanced squads in the league.

Gujarat Titans (GT) made minimal changes, with Jason Holder their most notable addition. Already well stocked in most departments, GT opted not to use their full overseas quota, backing squad continuity while still addressing depth concerns.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the biggest spenders, headlined by the record-breaking ₹25.20 crore ($2.7 million) signing of Cameron Green. With Andre Russell transitioning into a coaching role, Green is expected to fill a major all-rounder void. KKR also strengthened their death bowling and wicketkeeping options, giving them one of the deepest squads on paper.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) focused on rebuilding their spin department, landing Ravi Bishnoi and adding two more wristspinners. The acquisition of Adam Milne bolsters their pace attack, though the lack of a proven all-rounder could be a concern.

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Delhi Capitals (DC) assembled one of the most versatile squads, with multiple options across batting and bowling combinations. Their flexibility allows them to adapt line-ups to form and conditions, a factor that could prove decisive over a long season.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) addressed their bowling by adding Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje but still appear top-heavy in batting. Injuries and availability issues among key players may shape their season.

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Abu Muslim Farah crowned champions of fifth season of Afghanistan Champions League

Matches from the tournament were broadcast live nationwide by Ariana Television Network (ATN), allowing supporters from all provinces to follow the action and celebrate the achievements of their teams. The widespread coverage helped boost interest in the league and brought Afghan football into homes across the country.

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Abu Muslim Farah have reaffirmed their status as one of Afghanistan’s leading football clubs after being crowned champions of the fifth season of the Afghanistan Champions League, completing a flawless campaign to lift the title.

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The triumph marks back-to-back titles for Abu Muslim Farah, who also won the fourth season of the league last year, underlining their growing dominance in domestic football. Their consistency throughout the tournament, combined with an attacking brand of play and a solid defensive record, set them apart from their rivals.

The fifth season of the Afghanistan Champions League featured 10 teams from across the country and served as one of the top-tier domestic football competitions aimed at strengthening the sport at the national level. The league has played an important role in developing local talent, providing competitive exposure for players, and keeping football alive and visible for fans across Afghanistan.

Abu Muslim Farah’s unbeaten run and commanding title victory have been widely praised by fans and analysts, with many viewing the club as a benchmark for professionalism and performance in Afghan football. As the Champions League continues to grow in stature, Abu Muslim Farah’s success sets a high standard for future seasons and reinforces their reputation as a powerhouse of the domestic game.

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ILT20: Sharjah Warriorz secure 11-run victory over Gulf Giants

Cricket fans across Afghanistan can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television today, Tuesday December 16, from 2pm to watch the next match, between Sharjah Warriorz and MI Emirates.

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2025

Ariana News

Sharjah Warriorz continued their winning run in the DP World ILT20 Season 4, defeating Gulf Giants by 11 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to make it two wins from two matches.

A composed batting effort led by Tom Abell, followed by disciplined bowling spearheaded by Matheesha Pathirana, proved decisive as the Warriorz successfully defended a total of 174/6.

Abell anchored the innings with a polished 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. After an early setback that saw Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles dismissed cheaply, Abell steadied the innings alongside James Rew, who contributed 39 off 33. The pair added 71 runs before Abell fell, with Dwaine Pretorius providing late impetus with a quick 28 off 13 to lift the Warriorz to a competitive total.

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Cricket fans across Afghanistan can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television today, Tuesday December 16, from 2pm to watch the next match, between Sharjah Warriorz and MI Emirates.