Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan shared his thoughts after his team’s heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 11. Rashid admitted that despite the hard work, the result did not go in their favor in a must-win game.
Afghanistan nearly secured their first ICC victory over South Africa, who secured victory in a dramatic contest that went into a double Super Over. They posted 17 runs in the first Super Over before the Proteas matched it. South Africa scored 23 runs in the second Super Over, and Afghanistan fell 3 runs short.
We Have Given All the Efforts on the Ground – Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan stated that the players showed great character and pulled things back to restrict them under 190. The skipper also said that the team started well and gave everything on the field.
“[On the loss and reputation of being fighters] Yeah, I think you know the boys did an amazing job. Especially after the way they started with the bat, 100 runs in 10 overs, 1 wicket and to restrict them under 190 was a huge effort from everyone,” Rashid said.
“Then the way we started with the bat, I thik but so unlucky to be part of the losing team. We have given all the efforts on the ground and just the matter of result not going our way,” he added.
The Discussion Was With the Team That… – Rashid Khan
The skipper said that the team stayed calm about the required rate. He added that Afghanistan managed to keep the total below 200, giving themselves a realistic chance in the chase. Khan admitted that they were unlucky to end up on the losing side.
“[On not letting the required rate get out of reach] Yeah, we have played a lot in IPL on this surface. The average total here is 190-195. The discussion was with the team that yeah, they had a great start but let’s end well with the ball and keep them under 200. We gave ourselves the best chance to chase but unlucky to be on the losing side,” Khan continued.
That’s Something Which Restricted Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan praised Rahmanullah Gurbaz for his performance at the top of the order. The Afghanistan captain added that losing three wickets in the powerplay made things difficult. Rashid also stated that Gurbaz hit three sixes in the second Super Over, leaving 5 runs needed off the final ball.
“[On Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s knock] Amazing innings. That’s what he’s famous for. He likes to play his own innings, he can be destructive at the top of the order. He’s given us a great start. We have lost three wickets in the powerplay which put him on the backfoot. But that’s something which restricted him as well. Hit three sixes and then to have 5 needed off the last ball, it was terrific.”
Also read: Dale Steyn becomes Afghanistan bowling coach during South Africa clash in T20 World Cup 2026
