Afghanistan’s googly master Rashid Khan who also the world’s No.1-ranked all-rounder in ODIs and holds the No.1 position among bowlers in T20Is said that he is taking advice from Kane Williamson, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Capitan in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In response to a question of India’s Telegraph newspaper that you’re Afghanistan’s T20I captain, so Kane’s tips would naturally come in handy, Rashid said that “as I’ve said, I try and learn, try to understand the reason why a certain decision has been taken."
Anything specific that you recently asked Kane?
“A brilliant... Kane said that the game wouldn’t change, that it would still remain the cricket we all know. The way I thought, the way I approached the World Cup... That could make it different. He suggested I focus on the job alone,” Rashid said.
“A Kane’s view is that while the World Cup is a massive tournament, that aspect has to be kept out of one’s thinking,” Rashid said.
Rashid was asked during the interview that the Sunrisers did well to get you on board, in 2017, and there has been no looking back for both. How do you approach your cricket?
“I look to perform in every match. Whether for Afghanistan, for the Sunrisers in India or for Adelaide Strikers. Not only do I look to perform, I look to enjoy every outing. I know I have to keep improving and that comes through learning and experience... As a cricketer, I have changed (for the better) in the past year,” he said.
“Actually, it was a match in your city... Last year’s Qualifier II against the Kolkata Knight Riders... The Sunrisers had to win to make the final and the franchise had high expectations... I remained not out on 34, took three wickets, held catches and effected a run out too. For me, that match (which fetched the MoM award) at the Eden will stay special for all time to come. It remains a night to remember, as I met the expectations of the Sunrisers and my own expectations as well,” he added.
The ICC World Cup 2019 will kick off on May 30.
Afghanistan’s National Cricket Team on Friday headed to Scotland to attend four ODI matches against Scotland and Ireland ahead of the World Cup.
The Afghan team will have two matches against Scotland on May 8 and 10 and then will go to Ireland and will have two matches against Ireland.
After the ODI matches, the Afghan team will travel to the United Kingdom for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Before attending in the world cup, the Afghan cricket team will have two warmup matches with Pakistan and UK.