Islamabad United batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz speaking to media on February 23, 2023. — Screengrab/Youtube@PakistanSuperLeagueOfficial
KARACHI: Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Rehmanullah Gurbaz expressed gratitude to the followers who got here to cheer for his aspect at Karachi’s nationwide stadium and vowed to study from errors after his workforce’s defeat to South Africa within the ICC Champions Trophy match on Tuesday.
Regardless of the loss, Gurbaz highlighted the overwhelming assist from Afghan followers in Karachi, saying it felt like taking part in at residence. Afghanistan, unable to host worldwide cricket because of safety considerations, has typically performed its “home” matches within the UAE.
“First of all, thank you so much to all the crowd that came and supported us. To be really honest, we did not expect that much crowd, but again, thank you,” Gurbaz mentioned within the combined zone after the match.
The Afghan cricketer additionally spoke in regards to the assist from Afghan followers, who turned out in massive numbers on the Karachi stadium. With no worldwide cricket performed in Afghanistan, Gurbaz mentioned the environment made him really feel as if the workforce was taking part in at residence.
“I think we already feel it because the ground was almost full. We never played an international game in Afghanistan, but this was some feeling we got today,” he mentioned. “I hope the time comes soon to play in Afghanistan as well. That will be a nice feeling.”
When requested in regards to the workforce’s efficiency, Gurbaz acknowledged the necessity for enchancment however emphasised specializing in the positives. “We are professional players. We know what we did and what we should improve for the next game. We just need to take the positive things from here and leave the negative behind,” he mentioned.
Gurbaz admitted that the pitch circumstances in Karachi have been completely different from what the workforce had anticipated. In contrast to the floor used within the Pakistan-New Zealand match, the place the ball got here onto the bat easily, the pitch for Afghanistan’s recreation towards South Africa provided further bounce and tempo.
“To be really honest, it was totally against our expectation. We were expecting a bit slower pitch, but as professional players, we don’t need to make excuses,” Gurbaz mentioned.
“This was the first time we saw a wicket like this in Pakistan, especially in Karachi. But we need to be prepared for such situations.”
Responding to questions on Afghanistan’s rising fame in worldwide cricket, Gurbaz dismissed the notion that their victories have been mere upsets. He identified that the workforce has crushed virtually each high cricketing nation, emphasising their standing as a aggressive aspect.
“People should take out of their minds that we do upsets. We’ve beaten every single team in the world. It’s not respectful to call our wins upsets,” he mentioned.
Gurbaz recognized Afghanistan’s bowling as their major energy but in addition praised their batting, notably Rahmat Shah’s efficiency within the match. “If there were other batsmen to support Rahmat Shah, we could have scored more,” he added.
Regardless of the heavy defeat, Gurbaz remained optimistic about Afghanistan’s probabilities within the event. With two matches remaining, he burdened the significance of sustaining a constructive mindset and specializing in successful the following video games to enhance their internet run fee.
“A strong team always comes back stronger. I believe that. We always come back stronger,” he mentioned.
“We need to take the positive side from here and leave the negative behind. We still have a chance to go ahead.”
