New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner shakes hands with Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan at the end of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 cricket match between Afghanistan and New Zealand
Ashhar Alam / New Delhi
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan believes his extensive experience in the SA20 league will give him a unique edge in mentoring his young teammates ahead of their T20 World Cup clash against South Africa.
Having played alongside South African stars over the four editions of SA20, Rashid said the insights gained from these interactions will help him guide the Afghan youngsters on reading opposition players and anticipating strategies.
“Playing with these players for a long time really helps you share insights with the team,” Rashid said on the eve of the match. “For those who haven’t faced them before, it gives a clear idea of what to expect, their mindset, and how they play under pressure.”
Afghanistan Cricket Team
The premier spinner recently spent a month in South Africa with MI Cape Town, and he believes the experience will benefit the national side. “The information you bring from leagues like this really helps young players adjust and prepare,” he added.
Rashid also acknowledged that familiarity with Indian conditions through the IPL levels the playing field for both teams. “Even if you know the players well, you can’t predict exactly how the wicket will behave. The pressure of representing your country is different from league cricket, so it’s equal for everyone,” he noted.
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Reflecting on Afghanistan’s earlier loss to New Zealand in Chennai, Rashid highlighted areas for improvement. While spinner Mujeeb Rahman kept the opposition in check, the pace attack struggled to maintain pressure. “We could have been tighter with our line and length, especially in the powerplay. Overall, we missed some of the fundamentals,” he admitted.
The 27-year-old spinner remains optimistic about the team’s prospects and hopes the pacers will deliver a stronger performance against South Africa. With his experience and guidance, Rashid is keen to help the young Afghan squad rise to the challenge on the world stage.
