Gautam Gambhir, speaking exclusively to Star Sports, commends Afghanistan’s remarkable performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, particularly highlighting their impressive victory over England as a defining moment. Despite challenges posed by England’s strong batting lineup and the compact Kotla ground, Afghanistan’s triumph in Delhi stands out.
Reflecting on the tough circumstances, Gambhir notes, “It was an excellent wicket, the small Kotla ground, and England’s powerful batting lineup, and despite that, they defended that total and won so convincingly.” He sees this win as a confidence booster for Afghanistan, setting the stage for a potential transformation in their cricketing prowess.
Subcontinent’s Shifting Landscape: Afghanistan Surpasses Regional Competitors
Optimistic about Afghanistan’s future, Gambhir predicts a post-World Cup shift, positioning them as the second-strongest team in the subcontinent, surpassing regional competitors. He asserts, “You will see Afghanistan as a totally different team after this tournament. They have already become the second-most-strongest team in the subcontinent, after India.”
Despite a slow start, Afghanistan’s resurgence in the World Cup, marked by victories against cricket powerhouses like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, has elevated their standing. Gambhir envisions Afghanistan evolving into a formidable force on the international stage, emphasizing their potential to challenge established teams, as seen in their almost-victory against Australia.
Culminating the group stage with eight points from nine matches and a net run-rate of -0.336, Afghanistan’s statistical achievements underscore their competitiveness and resilience in the tournament. Gambhir’s applause reflects the growing recognition of Afghanistan as a rising cricketing force.
