Charismatic off spinner for Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, thinks the reason why his nation's cricketers perform well in the game's shortest format may be because they participate in international domestic competitions and bring that expertise back to the squad.
By crushing Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Group B of the Asia Cup in the UAE on August 27, Afghanistan made it clear they were not to be taken lightly despite having a wealth of talent in their lineup.
After left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi took three wickets to reduce the former Asia Cup champions to 105 in 19.4 overs, openers Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the chase a rousing start.
Rashid, who has also honed his batting and bowling skills playing in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League, told ESPNcricinfo that the lack of experience in Test cricket is made up for by playing in the T20 leagues as Afghanistan prepares to face Bangladesh in their second Group B match in Sharjah later on Tuesday.
We rarely play longer-format cricket. It has nothing to do with the players and is all about the FTP (Future Tours Programme). We want to play a lot of international cricket so that our kids may learn how to play in that setting and develop their skills. We have the chance to learn from the finest players because we compete in so many foreign leagues. We share that knowledge with the global team. We convey that to the remainder of the group.
We are hopeful to play more international games in the upcoming years, Rashid, who was instrumental in helping Gujarat Titans win the IPL 2022, was quoted as saying. "Especially in the batting department it helps if we play more international leagues. If there's international duty, you have to be present. It is always first priority.
Rashid believed that in the Asia Cup match later on Tuesday, the advantage will go to whoever can handle pressure best.
"We now have more children than ever before. The majority of the males like this brief format. After a long absence, we are playing in Sharjah, but our cricket is still the same. We are aware of our responsibilities. Since Dehradun, it has been four years since our last away game against Bangladesh. However, whomever plays better cricket and maintains composure under pressure will perform best. We as a team will be well-prepared, go into the game with a clear head, and enjoy the sport."