Asia Cup 2018: MS Dhoni lauds Afghanistan following thrilling tie against India

Sport360 staff 01:13 26/09/2018
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  • Afghanistan players celebrate

    India stand-in captain MS Dhoni praised Afghanistan for their remarkable rise in world cricket after they earned a thrilling tie against his side on Tuesday.

    Afghanistan pulled off a sensational tie off the penultimate ball against India in the Super Four stage match of the Asia Cup in Dubai.

    Mohammad Shahzad’s 124 lifted Afghanistan to 252-8 in 50 overs while India were all out in 49.5 overs with the scores level.

    Although they could not end the tournament on a winning note, the result proves once again of how competitive Afghanistan can be having won Test status last year.

    “Their (Afghanistan’s) cricket has improved a lot,” said Dhoni, who stood in for Rohit Sharma after Friday’s finalists made five changes to their team.

    “The way they have continued from the start of the Asia cup, it is commendable and we have enjoyed it. It is one country that has risen through the ranks very well.”

    Speaking of the game, the 37-year-old added: “The wicket slowed down later, but they bowled extremely well throughout the game. I wouldn’t say we went wrong in the chase. To start off, it was like a handicap in golf. We didn’t go with a full-strength side.

    “We didn’t hit the back of a length area, and we gave away too much initially with the ball. The wicket slowed down over the course of the game, so someone should have continued with the bat. There were a couple of run-outs, and a few things we can’t talk about (the incorrect lbw decisions) unless you want to get fined for it. It’s good that it’s a tie, but they played really well.”

    His opposite number Asghar Afghan lauded his players for their fine efforts. He said: “Today the wicket was a good one for us. Shahzad played really well and very positive cricket. Their opening partnership was good and our spinners did an equally good job.

    “When you tie a match with a side like India, it’s just like a win. Such tough games are good for the fans as well. Every time we have asked him, Shahzad does that. Again, I give him a lot of credit for his knock.”

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