When day-night cricket first emerged, the joke was that "big boys play at night." Fast-forward nearly fifty years, and in a twist at the T20 World Cup, the powerhouse Indian team finds themselves playing all their games in the morning. Contrastingly, Afghanistan has played all four of their league matches under the lights. Despite this difference, Afghanistan’s head coach Jonathan Trott believes their preference for day games is advantageous. He suggests that Afghanistan sees themselves as contenders on par with the "big boys."
Trott mentioned that playing during the day suits their style better, and expressed eagerness to face India in this setting. He acknowledged India’s prowess as a strong team in daylight conditions, and noted the pressure that comes with being favourites. Trott asserted that while Afghanistan might be seen as underdogs by many, he does not share that view. He stated, "We feel well-prepared and ready for the challenge tomorrow, and I’m very excited about it."
One reason for Afghanistan’s confidence in day games is their formidable bowling attack. Their spinners are highly skilled, and they have a swing bowler in Fazalhaq Farooqi who resembles India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar in style. These bowlers, who don’t rely on favourable conditions like dew, are a significant strength. Trott pointed out, "With experienced T20 spinners and a leading wicket-taking seamer, our bowling is balanced. Whether conditions favour swing and seam or spin, we are equipped to take wickets."
Trott also cautioned against over-reliance on spin-friendly conditions, emphasising the need for skilful bowling regardless of the conditions. He remarked, "If there’s spin, it will benefit us. But spinners must still bowl effectively even if it doesn’t spin. This applies to both sides, as India also boasts strong spinners. It will be a competitive matchup."
Although Afghanistan’s advancement to the Super Eight might have been unexpected, especially after surpassing New Zealand, they have earned their place. India’s coach Rahul Dravid underscored the respect they hold for Afghanistan, noting their players’ extensive experience in T20 leagues worldwide, including prominent roles in the IPL. Dravid stated, "Afghanistan’s players are well-traveled in the T20 format, more so than some of our own. They deserve their spot in the Super Eight, and we will treat them with the same respect as any other formidable team."
As the teams prepare for their Super Eight showdown, Afghanistan’s belief in their abilities and India's acknowledgement of their strength set the stage for a captivating contest.