One of the greatest events in the history of the Cricket World Cup took place yesterday when Afghanistan defeated England by 69 runs in Delhi. This victory is undoubtedly unforgettable for Afghanistan, even though they are going through a tough time.
The people of Afghanistan have faced significant challenges recently, including several devastating earthquakes in the Herat region. Many lives have been lost, and there is widespread damage. Rashid Khan, the star leg-spinner of Afghanistan, had expressed hopes that a win against England would provide some relief to the people of his country.
During the critical times in Afghanistan, Rashid Khan has been making efforts to stand by his people. In 2021, after the Taliban took control in Afghanistan, he had appealed for peace with England. After the powerful earthquake struck Herat, he promised to donate his match fees to the earthquake-affected people.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Rashid Khan hopes that the victory against England will bring great joy to the people in his homeland. In his post-match interview with Star Sports, he said, “There will be a grand celebration in the country. We haven’t had too many wins. Even to make them happy at this stage (the World Cup) is remarkable.”
Rashid Khan acknowledged the significance of defeating England, saying, “This win is very big. The people of our country will definitely be proud. Some days ago, there was an earthquake in Herat, where many people lost their lives, more than 3,000. Nearly 2,000 homes have been destroyed. This win might bring a smile to their faces, even if just a little. It will help them forget the days of hardship.”
Rashid Khan has played a vital role in Afghanistan’s victory, not only with the ball but also with the bat. He contributed 23 runs from 22 balls when Afghanistan scored 284 runs. He also took three wickets for 37 runs in his bowling spell. Rashid Khan values his batting contribution more than his three wickets, stating, “More than the three wickets, those 23 runs are more important. It feels very good, especially the cover drives against Mark Wood.”
This historic victory against England in the Cricket World Cup will undoubtedly be cherished by Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan’s dedication to his people and his outstanding performance in the match will be remembered for a long time.
