Rashid Khan opens up after defeat to South Africa in first semi-final of T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has reflected on his team's semi-final exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, acknowledging the challenges they faced against South Africa in Trinidad on Thursday.

Both South Africa and the Afghan team reached the semi-final round of the mega-event tournament for the first time.

"It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better, but the conditions didn't allow us to do what we wanted. That's how T20 cricket is; you need to be ready for all conditions," Rashid said during the post-match conference.

Highlighting his team's bowling prowess throughout the tournament, the Afghanistan skipper also praised their collective effort which contributed significantly to their success.

"I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb's injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners," he said.

Rashid Khan highlighted the positive takeaways despite the semi-final loss, emphasizing that enjoying the tournament and reaching the semi-finals were achievements in themselves.

"We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations," he said.

South Africa solidified their spot in the final with a commanding nine-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Stadium, achieving their maiden qualification for a World Cup final in both T20 and ODI formats.