Afghanistan Coach Trott Believes World Cup Defeat to India Gave Them More Confidence

Despite Afghanistan's World Cup defeat to India, head coach Jonathan Trott believes the game gave them more confidence and that they can now win and control games.

Afghanistan, enjoying their best-ever performance, defeated the Netherlands and three previous champions, England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, handily to maintain their hopes of making it to the semifinals.

"I believe that against India, we witnessed some form creep in the team. Despite the fact that we lost the match, it did give us some confidence," Trott remarked following Afghanistan's seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands on Friday.

Afghanistan's batters have performed admirably to score nearly 300 (272) against India, following lackluster showings against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"I said that we had lost a lot of close games before the Asia Cup and the series against Pakistan. We just need to get off to a 1-1 or 2-0 start to gain that self-assurance, belief, and little extra bounce in our step that we can win close games as well as dominate ones if we have the chance," Trott stated.

Afghanistan, who are currently in fifth place, just outside the top four, have played Australia and South Africa in their last two league games.

"We have to get better before our next match in Mumbai against Australia. However, I also witnessed a lot of positive things that will help us moving forward when we play South Africa and Australia in the next two games. There is much to be happy about as well as much to improve upon, the coach remarked.

In a protracted competition, it's critical to adapt.

Depending on the wicket, the Afghans have been adjusting their bowling.

"We're fortunate to have such a great selection of players. Many teams do not allow you to play four spinners, nor do they allow you to choose the caliber of those four spinners "Trott stated.

"It's encouraging to see the guys collaborating during such a lengthy tournament; it's important to do that." I felt Noor (Ahmad) bowled brilliantly today (Friday) as well, given the way he entered the game. However, he didn't play in Pune after that, even though he was excellent with it and it didn't seem like it would spin.

It's beneficial for me as a player to be able to grow from those setbacks and seize this chance. But because of his positive outlook, he was given the chance. In Pune, he didn't pout," Trott continued.

There has been a lot of support for the Afghans.

"We have support, we have a few IPL players, so there's always interest in those players and support for them," Trott stated.

Furthermore, I'm at a loss as to why they find the Afghan boys attractive. They're definitely playing some good cricket, and I think they're amazing cricketers. And for that reason, viewers and supporters of them both."

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