ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2021

October 30, 2021

Naveen-ul-Haq

Sheikh Zayed Stadium

Afghanistan

Pre Match Media Conference

Q. First of all, tell us about the mood in the camp after a narrow defeat against Pakistan, a very hard-fought match played by Afghanistan. And the mood of Karim Janat who struck four sixes?

NAVEEN-UL-HAQ: The mood in the camp is a bit dull at the moment because after every close game, when you lose a close game, it is like desperate; you have to get back and really get back and we have to get around Karim and back him up because it can happen to anybody as it has happened before. So really get back, insha'Allah.

Q. Do you think that Afghanistan needs another proper fast bowler in their 11, because we just saw yesterday that the part-timer at the all-arounder had to bowl the four overs. So do you think that Ghulbadin Naib should also be tried, or you need a proper fast bowler in your 11?

NAVEEN-UL-HAQ: In hindsight, you can say that we should have gone with this 11 or that or we should have bowled this bowler or that bowler. But after a game, you can't say much about it. It went wrong for him in that over in that he was bowling well. He bowled his three overs quite cheaply. He didn't go away with much runs. But it's up to the management and up to the captain, coach, whatever they think the best for the team, they will do that and they will go with that 11.

Q. What do you think about the table right now? This stage, which teams do you think will qualify for the semifinals right now? I know it's a bit early, but how do you see it? You have more matches with India and New Zealand, and which two teams do you think will go for the semifinals?

NAVEEN-UL-HAQ: I think the table is ripe open, other than Pakistan who has already confirmed their spot in the semifinal, there are three teams that will be fighting for that spot because India has played one and lost one. And New Zealand has played one and lost one.

We'll be having a great contest, great matchup coming up with them in a week's time. So you can't say much at the moment who will be qualifying or who is not. It's only Pakistan who has made it through. But there is still one spot.

Q. How do you see Afghanistan's chances against New Zealand, because they're playing in Indian conditions, spinning pitches, tough pitches for them. Do you see Afghanistan beating New Zealand?

NAVEEN-UL-HAQ: I see Afghanistan beating and having a great chance beating any team in this competition. As you saw last night, also Pakistan is one of, I should say, more balanced squad, balanced side. They're familiar to these conditions. They outclassed both the teams that they played against in the first two games.

And we almost got through the line. But it's Namibia coming next tomorrow and then it's India and New Zealand. So we're up for it. We're not like all down and we will be just discussing this last game. So we will look forward and looking forward to win these matches and get our spot in the semis.