Dale Steyn believes Afghanistan could win an ICC tournament within a decade if players develop patience. Despite challenges stemming from war and instability, Afghanistan has progressed significantly in cricket, evidenced by their strong performances recently. Steyn suggests that playing four-day cricket could enhance their skills and patience, which are essential for success in limited-overs formats.
Dale Steyn, the South African cricket legend, believes that Afghanistan has the potential to secure an ICC limited-overs tournament win within the next decade. This optimism is rooted in the team’s progress in overcoming their country’s struggles with war and instability, evolving from an affiliate member to a formidable competitor in international white-ball tournaments. Afghanistan’s recent performances, such as their wins against England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, suggest that they are on the rise.
Steyn emphasizes the need for Afghan players to cultivate patience in their game. He notes that the fast-paced nature of modern life has impacted how these players approach their cricket, often leading them to seek immediate results. He states, “We live in a time now where people are not patient enough… Afghanistan players need to learn patience. Once they get that down, honestly, in the next decade, they could win ICC tournaments, for sure.”
The Afghan team’s recent near-success, highlighted by their semifinal appearance in the previous T20 World Cup where they eliminated Australia, marks significant progress. They narrowly missed out on advancing in the Champions Trophy, indicating they can compete at high levels despite their challenges. However, setbacks, like their loss to South Africa and a washed-out match against Australia, hindered their semifinal ambitions in the tournament.
Steyn suggests that participation in longer form cricket, like four-day first-class games, could help Afghan players build the necessary patience and skills for success in limited-overs formats. He references the historical context, where players used to refine their abilities through county or first-class cricket. He believes that while T20 cricket is beneficial for financial and skill development, exposure to longer formats would be advantageous, stating, “…maybe, spending some time in four-day games might help, because one-day cricket is essentially a shortened version of a Test match.”
In summary, Dale Steyn exhibits confidence in Afghanistan’s potential to achieve significant victories in ICC tournaments over the next decade, conditional on the development of patience in their gameplay. The team’s resilience amidst adversity is commendable, yet overcoming their impulsiveness and gaining experience in longer formats is crucial for reaching their full potential in the international cricket arena.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
