Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan dismissed the notion that winning the toss is half the battle, insisting that results depend far more on execution, temperament and adaptability than on a coin flip.
“Many people say that winning the toss is like winning half the match, but we don’t think that way. It is not true that the toss plays a vital role in the outcome of a match. As a team, we believe that whatever the result of the toss, it is up to us to take things in our stride and push the game forward,” Rashid said on Friday.
“The toss is only a small factor. What really matters is how the teams perform once they step onto the field. You have to adapt to the conditions, play smart cricket and execute your plans better than the opposition,” added the ace leg-spinner.
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Rashid acknowledged that Afghanistan possess a formidable spin unit, but stressed that the side’s strength lies in its overall balance rather than just one department.
“Our spin attack has always been one of our main strengths. We have different kinds of spinners— myself, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi—and each of us brings something different to the table. That gives the captain a lot of options in the middle overs and even at the death,” he said.
At the same time, Rashid underlined the importance of the pace unit in providing the team with flexibility across conditions. “We also have a strong fast-bowling group in Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai. They have been performing consistently in different leagues and international matches, and that gives us the balance we need as a side,” he added.
While sub-continent pitches are traditionally known to favour spin, Rashid pointed out that most teams are now well-equipped with quality slow bowlers.
“It is not just our team that has a good spin attack. Almost every side has quality spinners, and the wickets in the sub-continent will naturally assist them. So it comes down to which team bowls better in key moments and handles pressure situations,” he said.
Confident about his side’s preparation and unity, Rashid emphasised that Afghanistan’s focus remains on playing fearless, disciplined cricket irrespective of conditions.
“Our aim is to play good cricket as a team. We want to stay calm, follow our plans and support each other in every situation. If we do that consistently, the results will take care of themselves,” he signed off.
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