Afghanistan coach lifts the lid on his side's secret playmaker
The presence of a two-time T20 World Cup winner is providing additional help to Afghanistan as they plot their way through the initial stages of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
Afghanistan's statement win in their opening group match shows they have the goods to make a deep impact in this edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The Asian side's openers showed solid form, while speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi ran through Uganda’s batting line-up. Such was their impact, that even ace spinner Rashid Khan wasn't needed to do Rashid Khan things to win it for Afghanistan.
The team continues to grow in cricketing power - proving potent with both bat and ball - in a performance that matched their eye-catching efforts from last year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Openers, Farooqi shine in comprehensive win | Match Highlights | T20WC 2024
And they have an added advantage in this competition, a dash of local knowledge in the form of bowling consultant Dwayne Bravo
Speaking after his side’s first-up win, coach Jonathan Trott credited the contribution of Bravo, who has brought about a change in the approach of Afghanistan bowlers.
“DJ (Dwayne Bravo) coming into the side, fantastic,” Trott said. “Having quality coaches also with huge experience as players [is great], but also vast franchise experience in this format of the game.
“[It’s] only a brilliant thing to have a player like him coming to the side as coach and it makes your job a lot easier but it also makes the coaching more enhanced, especially with the bowlers.
“We've seen the start of his first game with us and we saw the bowlers bowl really well, so credit to Dwayne.
“So (a) nice start for the boys.”
Digital Daily | AFG v UGA | T20WC 2024
ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold and Danny Morrison discuss Afghanistan's huge win over first-timers Uganda.
While Uganda was outplayed by the much-fancied Afghanistan, it was a huge learning experience for the African side – the nation’s first ever T20 World Cup match.
And captain Brian Masaba was focusing on the positives.
“Pretty special moment for us, hearing our national anthem and seeing our flag at the World Cup,” Masaba said after the match.
“First game at the World Cup, (a) lot of nerves, so good to get that out of the way," Masaba added. "Something I will cherish for the rest of my life. We will look to come out and play better next game.
They got off to a pretty good start and then it was about fighting back.
“It was very important how we fought back and full credit to the boys for that.”