Despite his hamstring injury, Rashid Khan continued to play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s series win against South Africa played in UAE.
Rashid Khan picked a five-wicket haul in the second ODI against South Africa. He was struggling with his hamstring, but he knew about his key contribution to pulling off a historic win.
“I got a hamstring [injury], I had it a month before as well, quite unlucky but I tried my best to stay on the ground till the end, tried my best to do for the team as much as I can,” said Rashid Khan.
“Big opportunity for us as a team you know, to win the series against a big team and that’s what I had in my mind: my contribution will be the key so I have to go and stay till the end.”
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝟗
𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐬: 𝟑𝟗
𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐬: 𝟏𝟗
𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: 𝟓
𝐄. 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟐.𝟏𝟏 @rashidkhan_19, battling cramps in his left hamstring, delivered a masterclass bowling display to take his 4th 5-wicket haul and guide #AfghanAtalan to a 2-0 lead in the series. 👏🤩 pic.twitter.com/CbwvO7b8PX— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 20, 2024
Rashid was batting despite his hamstring issues. Coming out in the 47th over, he scored 6 runs in 12 balls.
“We had a big opportunity to win a series against South Africa and I think the love for this game is just pushing you to play, doesn’t matter how [hard] it is and I thought I’m able to play, I’m able to bowl, I’m able to stay in the field till the end, why not, I should go for it,” Rashid said.
“Good job done by the physio as well, to get me ready and deliver for the team.” Afghanistan has one more injury concern with Rahmat Shah going off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was hopeful it was not serious.
“I talked with him, he’s good inshallah, maybe he will play the next game,” Shahidi said at the post-match presentation. “But before that also I think he was not feeling good, A hamstring happened to him, hopefully, he will be okay and play the other game.”
Securing a series win, Afghanistan will play their next ODI match against South Africa on September 22 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
