Dale Steyn Believes Afghanistan Could Achieve ICC Tournament Victory in Ten Years
Dale Steyn believes Afghanistan could win an ICC tournament in the next decade if players develop patience. Their progress from an affiliate to competitive team is notable, having defeated established teams recently. Steyn advocates for exposure to longer formats of the game to enhance their skills and approach.
Dale Steyn, the esteemed South African pacer, believes that the Afghanistan cricket team could potentially secure an ICC limited-overs tournament victory within the next decade, provided their players embrace a more patient approach to the game. Despite the challenges posed by war and instability, Afghanistan cricket has evolved significantly, transitioning from an affiliate member to a strong competitor in white-ball events.
In recent competitions, Afghanistan demonstrated impressive performances, including victories against former champions like England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. They also reached the semifinals in the previous year’s T20 World Cup by eliminating Australia. Steyn noted that the current culture often lacks patience, resembling the fast-paced nature of social media, which translates onto the cricket field.
He remarked, “Patience is one of the biggest things that Afghanistan players need to learn, and once they get that down, honestly, in the next decade, they could win ICC tournaments, for sure.” Steyn emphasized that players often seek immediate results, leading to overly aggressive plays that can undermine their performance.
During the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan found themselves in contention for the semifinals alongside Australia and South Africa. However, a significant defeat against South Africa early in the tournament negatively impacted their standing, while a rain-affected match against Australia resulted in shared points, further complicating their qualification chances.
Steyn suggested that players could potentially benefit from engaging in four-day first-class cricket, which could help foster skills necessary for building innings. He commented, “A lot of players would go play county cricket. Or they would go play first-class cricket to improve their skills and improve their patience really.” He acknowledged that while T20 cricket is beneficial for monetary gain, traditional formats could enhance their overall game.
Overall, Steyn’s insights highlight the need for Afghan cricketers to harness patience and enhance their playing style through varied experiences, which could ultimately lead to significant achievements on the international stage.
In conclusion, Dale Steyn’s observations underscore the potential of the Afghanistan cricket team to win an ICC tournament in the upcoming decade if they learn to cultivate patience in their gameplay. Their remarkable journey from affiliate status to formidable contenders showcases their resilience. Engaging in longer formats of cricket may further aid in honing their skills, positioning them for future successes in world cricket.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
