New entrants Afghanistan literally came, played and conquered the hearts of the connoisseur with their innate aggressive brand of cricket in the Asia Cup. Making their debut in this tournament, Afghans showed that they were ready for big-time cricket.
There is an Indian connection to the emerging Afghans. Umesh Patwal, the director of cricket of Pune-based Global Cricket School, takes care of their batting department.
“We are one of the best teams with an associate membership. Hopefully we should get Test status soon. They have got brilliant attitude. They are fighters. They never give up. That is their biggest advantage,’’ said Patwal, adding, he was not surprised when they beat Bangladesh. “They have been working hard. It is not something that happened overnight. It was not a surprise for us really. We were looking for that win.’’
The Indian coach said he did not believe much in technique. “It is the natural skills that matters and the Afghans have it in plenty. What they lack is the experience. I fully agree with Kumar Sangakkara when he said that the Afghans lack experience. They were just six-match old (before the India match) and I don’t think people should expect too much from a young side.’’