Dale Steyn predicts that Afghanistan could win an ICC tournament in the next decade if their players cultivate patience. The team has displayed significant progress, recently performing impressively in major tournaments. Steyn emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in four-day cricket to enhance their performance in limited-overs formats.
Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, expressed confidence in the potential of the Afghanistan cricket team to secure an ICC tournament title within the next decade, provided the players develop a greater sense of patience in their gameplay. Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict and instability in their country, Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has seen them evolve from an affiliate team into a competitive force in international limited-overs cricket.
Remarkably, Afghanistan nearly advanced to the knockout stages of the 2023 ODI World Cup, achieving victories against established teams such as England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They also demonstrated their progress by reaching the semifinals of the previous year’s T20 World Cup, where they famously eliminated Australia from contention.
Steyn noted a pressing issue with the current generation of players, stating, “We live in a time now where people are not patient enough… I think a lot of them play T20 cricket around the world, which is great, it’s great for their pockets and it’s great for them to learn. But, maybe, spending some time in four-day games might help,” underscoring the need for players to cultivate a more disciplined approach to the game.
In the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan found themselves entangled in a competitive battle for semifinal qualification alongside traditional powerhouses Australia and South Africa. Unfortunately, their opening match loss to South Africa proved costly, and a subsequent washed-out game against Australia diminished their chances. Mathematically, a slim possibility remains if England achieves a substantial victory over South Africa.
Steyn advocates for increased involvement in four-day first-class cricket, believing it would teach Afghanistan’s players how to construct an innings effectively. He remarked, “Back in the day, a lot of players would go play county cricket… to improve their skills and improve their patience really,” suggesting that exposure to longer formats could significantly enhance their performance in limited-overs competitions.
In summary, Dale Steyn has articulated a belief in Afghanistan’s ability to triumph in ICC tournaments over the next decade if their players embrace patience in their game. Steyn’s insights highlight the necessity for Afghan cricketers to develop their skills through longer formats of the game. The team has made commendable strides in recent international competitions, establishing themselves as a formidable cricketing nation despite ongoing challenges in their homeland.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
