Our aim is to record at least one win in Super 10s: Asghar Stanikzai

NEW DELHI: Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai has said that his team is aiming to record at least one win in the ongoing Super 10 stage of the ICC World T20 being played in India. Having made it to the main draw on back of three victories in round one, Afghanistan have had to taste defeat on two occasions. Some of it was their own fault considering the poor standards of fielding in both the games which ultimately hit them badly.
Against Sri Lanka, they gave away three easy boundaries in defense of 153 runs, a match they eventually lost by six wickets and seven deliveries remaining.Against South Africa, they dropped AB de Villiers when he was batting on six and then on 35. He went on to clobber 64 off 34 balls before being dismissed. South Africa finished with a massive total of 209 which proved enough for Afghanistan despite a promising start to the chase.
"We have played a couple of good games. We lost to Sri Lanka because of poor fielding. We gave away 20 odd extra runs. With South Africa also we had a good game but 210 was a bit too high. We got two chances to get AB de Villiers. Had we got him, they could have been restricted to 175-180 odd runs which could have been chased," Stanikzai said on Wednesday.
Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara have praised Afghanistan for their good show in the tournament. Stanikzai is happy that the world is taking notice of their performances but at the same time pleaded with the ICC for more such opportunities where they can test themselves against the elite cricket sides.
"We are happy and proud that legends of the game are praising us. We have been playing good of late and so we need ICC's support to help us progress and in the upcoming world cups as well. We have beaten Zimbabwe in their own backyard and also won against UAE. You can easily compare us with them and realise how much competitive we are.
He also said that they have requested the ICC to organise series against Test playing nations which will provide them a fair chance to improve their game and a possibility of recording wins. "Before the World Cup began, people didn't think we were a threat. Now, they are actually scared of us and know they cannot take us lightly. ICC should look into our performances. We have requested full members to play series with us. One or two matches won't give many chances to prove ourself. It's only in a series in which we can beat others. Our domestic structure and infrastructure is good. The competition is high. We would love to play more series," he said.
Former India cricketer Manoj Prabhakar has been with Afghanistan since December last year after being appointed their bowling coach. He played 39 Tests and 130 ODIs for India after debuting against England in 1984 and brings with him a first-hand knowledge and experience of the conditions Afghanistan will have to deal with in Delhi. "He has good knowledge about Indian conditions. He has been working very hard with the guys especially with the fast bowlers. In addition, he is also helping use with the fielding. He never says no to anyone. If you compare our side from the previous two World Cups, we have improved. He is sharing his knowledge. He has talked about this pitch and how the spinners should bowl on this track," Stanikzai said of the influence Prabhakar has had on the team.
He cautioned England of a tough fight and that they are targeting to return home with at least one win under their belt. "We are not just participating here (in WT20) for the sake of it. We have qualified for the Super 10s for the first time. We have two more games remaining. Definitely, they have edge over us considering they play a lot of cricket (as compared to us). Every team is here to win. Pressure will be on both the teams. We are not just trying to play good cricket. We are aiming to win and our target is to win at least one game in the Super 10s.