We Can Reach World Cup Semifinals, Asserts Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad

Updated: December 4, 2018, 10:53 AM IST

Flamboyant Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad believes his team can reach the semifinals of the World Cup in England next year. Shahzad, who has more than two and a half thousand runs to his name in 76 ODIs, is confident that the depth in the Afghanistan squad makes them formidable opponents for any team they come
across.

“On our day, we can beat any of the sub-continental teams,” Shahzad told Sportstar. “Our batting is coming together, we have fast bowlers in Dawlat Zadran and Aftab Alam and you all know about our spinners. We believe we have a chance of making the semifinals.”

Afghanistan are currently in Chennai for specialised training where Shahzad has just joined his teammates, just days after smashing a 16-ball unbeaten 74 in the T10 League in the UAE. For Shahzad, his philosophy towards batting remains the same, whether he is playing red ball or white ball cricket.

“I play my natural game,” he said. “I look at the length and if the ball is in my zone, I go for it irrespective of the format.”

Shahzad’s had a difficult journey as a cricketer, right from the time he learnt to play the game in Peshawar. Now, as he enjoys the spotlight of being an international cricketer, he celebrates every milestone and achievement on a cricket field.

“There are not too many occasions to smile or shake a leg on a cricket field,” he chuckled. “It’s a serious sport. So, when I get an opportunity, I make the most of it.”