Afghanistan has etched their name in the annals of cricket history by advancing to the semifinals of a major ICC event for the first time. Their dramatic eight-run victory via the DLS method over Bangladesh was a testament to their resilience and skill.

This victory not only earned Afghanistan a place in the semifinals but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. Afghanistan had earlier humbled New Zealand in the league stage and beaten Australia in a Super 8 clash some days back.

As they prepare to face South Africa at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on June 27, several key concerns need addressing to ensure their continued success.

1. Overdependence on openers

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s performance

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have been the linchpins of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Gurbaz, in particular, has been exceptional, scoring 281 runs at a strike rate of 126. Zadran has also been reliable, contributing 229 runs. The duo has done the bulk of the scoring, often providing solid starts.

The heavy reliance on Zadran and Gurbaz means that if they fail, the entire batting lineup tends to crumble. Opponents are well aware that early wickets of these openers could put immense pressure on the rest of the Afghan batting unit. This overdependence poses a significant risk, especially against a formidable opponent like South Africa.

Need for other players to step up

To mitigate this risk, it is crucial for other players in the lineup to contribute consistently. The middle and lower order must rise to the occasion and provide the necessary support to the openers. Only then can Afghanistan hope to post competitive totals or chase down challenging targets.

2. Rashid Khan not yet at his stupendous best

Rashid Khan is a name synonymous with T20 cricket excellence. He holds the record as the fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets and has nearly 600 T20 wickets to his name. Known for his ability to pick up wickets in heaps, Rashid is a crucial player for Afghanistan.

Despite his impressive track record, Rashid’s performance in the ongoing World Cup has been inconsistent. After taking six wickets in the first two games, he went wicketless in the next two and received a hammering from West Indies. However, he did bounce back with a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh, which was instrumental in their victory.

Importance of his performance in the Semifinal

For Afghanistan to stand a chance against South Africa, Rashid needs to be at his best. His contributions with both bat and ball will be crucial. A strong performance from him could tip the scales in Afghanistan’s favor.

3. Stick to the same batting order

Issues with continuous changes in batting order

A consistent batting order is essential for any team’s success in a tournament as intense as the T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Afghanistan has struggled with this, frequently altering their batting lineup, which has led to instability.

Players like Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai have been shuffled around the order, affecting their performance. Naib, for example, batted in the lower middle order in the first two games but was promoted to No. 3 in the last two. Omarzai was also moved around, batting at No. 6 in one game and higher up the order in others, without much success.

Importance of a consistent batting strategy

To build confidence and cohesion, Afghanistan must stick to a set batting order. Clear roles and responsibilities will help players perform better under pressure. Establishing a stable lineup can lead to more consistent performances.

As Afghanistan prepares for their historic semifinal clash against South Africa, addressing these key concerns is imperative. By tackling these problems head-on, Afghanistan can enhance their chances of progressing to the finals and achieving even greater glory.