Dale Steyn believes Afghanistan’s cricket team could win an ICC tournament in the coming decade if their players learn to play with more patience. Showcasing remarkable progress despite their struggles, Afghanistan performed commendably in recent competitions. Steyn advocates for the importance of four-day cricket to enhance players’ skills and composure on the field.
South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has expressed confidence that the Afghanistan national team could secure an ICC limited-overs tournament title within the next decade if their players cultivate patience in their gameplay. Overcoming the adversities of war and instability, Afghanistan has transitioned from an affiliate team to a competitive force in white-ball cricket, notably winning against established teams like England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup and reaching the semifinals of the previous T20 World Cup where they eliminated Australia.
Steyn emphasized the need for patience in cricket, highlighting a trend where players seek immediate results akin to the fast-paced nature of social media. He remarked, “Patience is one of the biggest things that Afghanistan players need to learn, and once they get that down, honestly, in the next decade, they could win ICC tournaments, for sure.” He observed that their urgency to secure wickets and runs often undermines the development of their innings and overall gameplay.
During the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan faced challenges in securing a semifinal berth, especially after a damaging loss to South Africa. Their hopes of progress were further complicated by a rain-affected match against Australia, which resulted in a point split. Despite mathematical possibilities for qualification tied to an England win over South Africa, the circumstances appear unfavorable for Afghanistan due to differing net run rates.
Steyn suggested that increased participation in four-day first-class cricket could further enhance the players’ skills and patience. He noted, “Back in the day, a lot of players would go play county cricket. Or they would go play first-class cricket to improve their skills and improve their patience really.” He argued that while T20 exposure is beneficial, engagement in longer formats like four-day matches would better prepare them for the one-day game.
In conclusion, Dale Steyn’s insights underscore the growing potential of the Afghanistan cricket team, contingent on the development of patience among its players. Through the challenges they have faced and the victories they have achieved, Afghanistan’s cricketing future appears promising. With strategic involvement in longer formats of the game, they stand a strong chance of clinching ICC tournament titles within the next decade.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
