Ponting: This is just the start of big things for Afghanistan

Ricky Ponting says that Afghanistan's run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup is just the start of an amazing journey for them.

"It's hard for an outsider to try and explain just how big it is for them," he said, courtesy of DP World.

"They stood up under the biggest pressure, the biggest moments, the biggest teams at this World Cup, and thoroughly deserved their place in the semi-final.

"It's an epic journey. I'm sure it's just the beginning of bigger things to come for Afghanistan."

The former Australia captain had high praise for skipper Rashid Khan as well as bowlers Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi, and picked Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a stand-out star - but he has been impressed with how they have operated as a unit and adapted to match situations.

"The thing is they've been really smart - they've identified conditions early," added Ponting.

"They've held the keys, their opening batters and their opening bowlers right throughout this tournament. If they can find another couple of middle-order batters over the next few years, they'll have a very good side."

And Ponting says that the associate nations who have been part of this year's expanded tournament can take plenty of inspiration.

"Ten years ago, that was Afghanistan. 15 years ago, that was Bangladesh. 25 years ago, that was Sri Lanka.

"And look at where they are now. You really have to start somewhere. You hope that when they go back home, they've learnt a lot from their experiences here."