Win to spark celebration back home, Rashid hopes

KABUL (Pajhwok): Star spinner Rashid Khan hopes Afghanistan’s stunning win over ODI world champions England days after a series of quakes in Herat province will bring give the nation a jot of comfort.

The emphatic victory would be a big celebration back home, the leggie believed, noting the Afghans did not often have such occasions to celebrate.

In an interview with Star Sports after Afghanistan’s emphatic success, he said: “I think cricket is the only source which gives them lots of happiness and lots of good memories.

“People back home just wait. We have lost so many games but still the kind of support we got from them...and they are so excited for us to be playing in that stage.”

Referring to the earthquake in Herat and neighbouring provinces, he lamented the loss of more than 3000 lives and destruction of around 2000 houses

The rip-roaring win over England, Afghanistan’s second World Cup triumph would bring a bit of smile to the faces of his compatriots, Rashid said.

Besides chipping in with 23, the spin wizard claimed three-wickets to power his side to the biggest upset of the ongoing tournament in India.

Sunday’s win would give the team a lot of energy in the upcoming matches, said the iconic bowler, who claimed Afghanistan had the guts to beat any side at any time.

PAN Monitor/mud