Dale Steyn predicts that Afghanistan could win an ICC tournament within the next decade if their players learn to play patiently. He notes their impressive rise in international cricket despite the challenges faced in their homeland. Steyn emphasizes the necessity for skill development, suggesting participation in four-day cricket to enhance their gameplay.
Dale Steyn, the esteemed former South African pace bowler, expressed confidence in the potential of the Afghanistan cricket team to secure an ICC limited-overs championship within the next decade, contingent upon their players mastering the art of patience in their play. He highlighted Afghanistan’s significant progress, having transitioned from being an affiliate member to a notable contender on the international white-ball stage. The team nearly advanced to the knockout stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup, achieving victories against recognized teams such as England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, and demonstrated commendable performance at the previous T20 World Cup by eliminating Australia from contention.
On ESPNCricinfo, Steyn emphasized the contemporary lack of patience often exhibited during matches, likening it to the rapid consumption of digital content on platforms like Instagram. He noted that Afghanistan players frequently exhibit impatience, which manifests in their aggressive gameplay style. “Patience is one of the biggest things that Afghanistan players need to learn, and once they get that down, honestly, in the next decade, they could win ICC tournaments, for sure,” he stated.
Afghanistan was involved in a competitive race to secure a semifinal spot during the Champions Trophy, a challenge complicated by their loss to South Africa in their opening match. Although possibilities remain for them to qualify, the likelihood is slim due to the substantial net run rate disparity between them and South Africa. Steyn acknowledged that their ability to thrive hinges not solely on talent but also on developing skills in a more patient manner.
The former cricketer recommended that Afghanistan players consider participating in four-day first-class matches to hone their skills, especially in building innings. He argued that historically, many cricketers have benefited from first-class experiences, which cultivated patience and improved their overall game competency. “Back in the day, a lot of players would go play county cricket. Or they would go play first-class cricket to improve their skills and improve their patience really,” he remarked, suggesting that a focus on long-format cricket could enhance their performance in one-day formats.
In conclusion, Dale Steyn believes that the Afghanistan cricket team possesses the potential to achieve success in ICC tournaments within the next decade by cultivating patience in their gameplay. Recognizing their tumultuous journey and notable achievements, Steyn highlights the importance of skill development through longer formats of the game. His insights underscore the need for a balanced approach to cricket to maximize their forthcoming opportunities.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
