Afghanistan team leader Rashid Khan Shares his thoughts after his team’s heartbreaking defeat South Africa The 2026 T20 World Cup will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Rashid admitted that despite the hard work, the results did not go in their favor in the must-win game.

Afghanistan came close to registering their first ICC victory against South Africa in a dramatic match to advance to the double super over. They scored 17 points in the first Super Over before the Proteas tied the score. South Africa scored 23 points in the second super over, with Afghanistan trailing by 3 points.

We have given all our efforts – Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan said the players showed great character and restricted the score to less than 190. The captain also said that the team started well and gave everything on the field.

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“(On the loss and reputation as warriors) Yeah, I think you know the boys did a fantastic job. Especially after the way they started with the bat, to get 100 runs in 10 overs, 1 wicket and restrict them to less than 190 was a huge effort from everyone,” Rashid said.

“Then we started to play the way we did with the bat, I thought, but were unlucky to be part of a losing team. We had put in all the hard work and the result wasn’t what we wanted,” he added.

Discussions with the team… – Rashid Khan

The skipper said the team remained calm about the pace required. He added that Afghanistan managed to keep the total under 200, giving itself a realistic chance in the chase. Khan admitted they were unlucky to lose.

“(About not letting the required rate go out of range) Yes, we have played a lot of games in this regard in the IPL. The average total here is 190-195. The discussion with the team was, yes, they had a great start, but let’s finish with the ball and keep them within 200. We gave ourselves the best chance to catch up but unfortunately were the losing side,” Khan continued.

This is what limits Rahmanullah Ghubaz – Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan praises Rahmanullah Gurbaz In recognition of his performance at the top of the order. The Afghanistan captain added that losing three wickets in the powerplay match made things difficult. Rashid also said that Gubaz hit three sixes in the second super over with five runs remaining on the last ball.

“Amazing innings (in Rahmanullah Gubaz’s knock). That’s what he’s famous for. He loves to play his innings and he can be destructive at the top of the order. He gave us a good start. We lost three wickets in the powerplay, which put him on the back foot. But it also limited him. Hitting three sixes and then getting the five required off the last ball was fantastic.”

Also read: Dale Steyn to serve as Afghanistan bowling coach in 2026 T20 World Cup South Africa