ICC World Cup 2019: “We are drowning, but we’ll take you with us,” Gulbadin Naib on Bangladesh

Afghanistan are already out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after losing all of their six games. Despite losing, they are confident of winning against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Bangladesh need to win this game to keep their hope alive of semi-finals. However, ahead of the clash in Southampton on Monday, Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib cheekily warned, “Hum to doobe hai sanam, tumko lekar doobenge (We are drowning, darling, but we’ll take you with us),” while he was asked about the encounter.

Afghanistan, however, improved a lot so far over in the tournament and captain believed his team that they can do better. Though they haven’t registered a single win, they restricted India within 224 at the Hampshire Bowl, the team, which is considered as favourites in the tournament.

“You saw against India. India has the best batting attack all over the world. So if the wicket helps our spinners, maybe it’s very difficult for everyone, not only Bangladesh,” he said before the game against Bangladesh.

“I know Bangladesh also have showed their skills in this tournament, how they played, and they chased 320 against West Indies. Our spinners are one of the best spin attacks in the world. When the wicket is suitable for us, it’s very difficult, not only for Bangladesh, but for everyone,” he further added.

However, Hampshire Bowl’s pitch will help the spinners, and they have a couple of good spinners like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi etc.

“We struggled a lot in these conditions in the first three or four games. The surface and the wickets are totally different. We didn’t expect it. It’s totally different in the last two games. It’s a very good wicket for us especially, so it’s like Asian conditions, the ball turning, especially in the last game against India,” said the captain.

“Everyone is just trying to do well, especially the senior players. They have pressure, but every tournament together we’re discussing the small, small things. What’s wrong? What do we want to do to get better?,” Naib concluded.