Dale Steyn believes Afghanistan could win an ICC limited-overs tournament in the coming decade, provided they learn patience in their gameplay. The team has shown impressive performance, nearing the knockout stages in major tournaments. Steyn emphasizes the importance of developing foundational skills through four-day cricket to enhance their performance and success rates.
Dale Steyn, the renowned South African pace bowler, believes that Afghanistan possesses the potential to secure an ICC limited-overs tournament victory within the next ten years. He emphasizes that the key to achieving this milestone lies in the players mastering the art of patience in their gameplay. Despite ongoing struggles with war and instability in their country, the Afghanistan cricket team has transformed from an affiliate member to a competitive contender in white-ball tournaments.
The Afghanistan team has demonstrated remarkable progress, nearly advancing to the knockout stages of the 2023 ODI World Cup with impressive victories against former champions such as England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They also reached the semifinals of the previous year’s T20 World Cup, where they eliminated Australia. Steyn noted that there is a contemporary trend of impatience among players, which mirrors the fast-paced consumption habits of social media users.
Steyn pointed out, “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 observed that players often exhibit a desire for immediate results, resulting in reckless play during crucial moments. According to him, the concept of building pressure over time is essential both for bowlers seeking wickets and batters looking to establish their innings.
At the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan found itself in a tight competition for semifinal qualification alongside Australia and South Africa. Their chances of advancing diminished following a disappointing loss to South Africa, compounded by a washed-out match against Australia, which resulted in both teams sharing points. Mathematically, Afghanistan can still qualify if England secures a significant victory over South Africa, yet with South Africa’s superior net run rate, the likelihood remains low.
Steyn suggested that engaging in four-day first-class cricket could significantly benefit Afghan players by enhancing their understanding of strategy and patience required for building innings, fundamental in both first-class and one-day formats. He remarked, “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 acknowledges the advantages of T20 cricket for income and skill development but states that prioritizing time spent in longer formats could solidify their foundational skills, laying groundwork for success in shorter formats. Ultimately, Steyn’s insights reveal a pathway for Afghanistan to potentially achieve great success in international cricket by cultivating patience and tactical acumen among their players.
In conclusion, Dale Steyn asserts that the Afghanistan cricket team has the potential to achieve victory in ICC tournaments over the next decade if they can instill the value of patience in their gameplay. The team has made remarkable strides despite their challenges and could benefit significantly from engaging in more first-class cricket to hone their skills. By embracing a patient and strategic approach, Afghanistan could redefine their cricketing legacy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
