Asia Cup: Afghanistan need to sort out top-order woes, says Rashid after Hong Kong win
Afghanistan scored 188 for six after winning the toss and then pegged back Hong Kong to 94 for nine to begin their Asia Cup campaign with a 94-run win.
New Delhi: Afghanistan have to find a way to address their tendency of losing early wickets as it could cost them towards the business end of the Asia Cup, skipper Rashid Khan said after their campaign began with a 94-run win over Hong Kong.
The Afghans scored 188 for six after winning the toss and then pegged back Hong Kong to 94 for nine.
But Afghanistan were reduced to 26 for two early on before Azmatullah Omarzai’s 53 off 21 balls lifted them to a strong total and Khan was quick to point out their repeated top-order woes in the powerplay.
"It was a great game. Good to put the total on the board. But losing wickets early on is the key for us. We had the same issue in the last series (against Pakistan)," he said after his win.
"That's one area we have to look into. Upcoming games are very important and that is an area if we can make it better…Batting in the death overs was a great effort, especially Omarzai. Overall, it was a great performance."
Since they have quality spinners, who are capable of taking wickets towards the end, Afghanistan decided to bat first to put up a good score on the board. Khan said.
"We have good spinners. It puts pressure on the opposition. If you have runs on the board…with batters trying to take risks, that is where you are more effective (as spinners), and that is why we are defending better than chasing.
"But in T20, we have to chase also, so the mentality has to be to chase as well and have a good record," the leg-spinner said.
'Looked to hit straight'
Omarzai smashed five sixes and two fours, and also contributed with the ball to be adjudged the player of the match.
"Very tough batting in the lower order. It is all about belief. The captain and coach have belief in me. Was trying to hit it straight. We lost early wickets. I was speaking to Atal that we will go for boundaries after the 16th over," he said.
"When I get the ball, I feel I am a proper bowler. When I get to bat, I feel I am a proper batter."
Hong Kong skipper Yasim Murtaza pointed out the Omarzai’s innings decided the course of the match.
"Just feels like a dream come true (On playing the Asia Cup). It is one of the biggest tournaments in Asia. To be honest, we weren't expecting that kind of total. I was expecting 150.
"Credit to Omarzai, he changed the game. Babar Hayat with the bat and the spinners were positive from the game," Murtaza said.