T20 World Cup 2024: 5 key players who are the reason behind Afghanistan’s success

Afghanistan is getting better day by day, as we all witnessed their performance in the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup (TWC) recently. A country broken apart by politics and clashes has finally found a way to achieve the nation’s unity through the most loved sport in Afghanistan. The team advanced to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals, just after missing out on the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup in 2023, overcoming Australia en route. Yes, the terrifying Australia of Don Bradman, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Pat Cummins. Afghanistan made history by qualifying for the semi-finals of a major ICC competition for the first time. Even though they were unable to advance to the final, a special thanks must go to these individuals.

Let’s have a look at the 5 key players who are the reason behind Afghanistan’s success

5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a skilled young player, has lit up the TWC 2024 by allowing his performances to speak for themselves. The attacking wicketkeeper-batsman leads the way in this edition’s showpiece event, scoring 281 runs in seven games at an average of 40.14, including three fifties, the most by a batter so far. He will undoubtedly be looking forward to continuing his Midas touch with the bat in the highly anticipated match.

Also Read: Taliban Thanks India and BCCI for Boosting Afghanistan Cricket as Team Reaches TWC 2024 Semifinals

4. Mohammad Nabi

Muhammad Nabi is the most senior player in Afghan cricket. He has witnessed almost everything. Nabi just set a record by playing for 45 different national teams. Nabi, who made his debut in 2009, has experienced both highs and lows in the game of Afghanistan cricket and is now present to witness its milestones.

Nabi was in Kabul for an Afghanistan cricket team trial while Australia was winning the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Nabi helped the Afghan team eliminate Australia from the 2024 T20 World Cup, more than two decades later.

3. Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib’s journey to the team at the age of 19 is featured in the 2010 documentary “Out of the Ashes,” which explores the rise of cricket in Afghanistan. Initially a bodybuilder, Naib said he needed cricket to support his family. His dad had no money, his sister was disabled, and he was the eldest son.

After 14 years, the 33-year-old Gulbadin Naib has been instrumental in leading Afghanistan to the semifinals of the TWC 2024. He has won two games solely on his own merit. Naib scored 49 off 36 balls against Papua New Guinea and then claimed 4 wickets in 4 overs while giving up 20 runs.

2. Naveen-ul-Haq

It’s encouraging to witness a young talented Afghan bowler like Naveen-ul-Haq, who’s creating waves in the world of cricket. He has the ability to move the ball both ways, which can be very useful in situations where seamers are likely to gain a lot, particularly in the upcoming game. In the first semi-final matchup against the Proteas, one player to keep an eye out for is Naveen-ul-Haq, who has taken 13 wickets in 7 games throughout the T20 World Cup 2024.

1. Rashid Khan

The man behind the rise of Afghanistan cricket, world-famous leg spinner Rashid Khan, proved himself in the world of cricket with his phenomenal bowling performance and quick arm action. 

His ability to hit the right spots, really makes him stand out because it makes it difficult for batters to score runs without difficulty. Aside from that, he has the ability to pinch hit fairly well, which could be useful in tight spots. He has claimed 14 wickets in 7 games so far in the current tournament. Rashid Khan, the national cricket team’s biggest match-winner have the ability to perform well in crucial matches.

Also Read: An Open Letter To Afghanistan’s Pride Rashid Khan