In a thrilling match against England, Afghanistan, a team dominated by T20 globetrotters, showcased their mettle and proved they are not to be underestimated in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan’s mentor, Ajay Jadeja, had candidly addressed their ability to beat big teams before their monumental victory against England. He had said, “You are saying they are a small team, the day they beat a big team they will become a big team.”

And that day has arrived. Afghanistan’s triumph over defending champions England has transformed them from a “choti team” (small team) into a “badi team” (big team).

In the context of the World Cup, this remarkable victory has injected new life and excitement into the tournament. Prior to this game, the focus had been on India and a handful of other teams. However, Afghanistan’s spirited performance has altered the narrative, awakening the cricketing world to a fresh and captivating storyline.

The seasoned spin trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi, along with the support of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, demonstrated their prowess on the field. Naveen-ul-Haq’s crucial wicket of the explosive Jos Buttler proved to be a game-changing moment. Afghanistan’s impressive spin attack, comprising of world-class spinners, caused England to falter with their mountain to climb.

Now, more cricket enthusiasts are expected to flock to the stadiums to watch the “badi team” challenge other formidable opponents in the tournament.

As Afghanistan moves to Chennai for their upcoming matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, the team’s strong performance in the tournament thus far will be a significant factor to consider. With little travel between matches, they can become more accustomed to the pitches and conditions, making them a formidable contender in the next stage of the tournament.

Coach Jonathan Trott emphasized that the team’s mentality remains focused on winning both games, regardless of their opponents. New Zealand and Pakistan are no pushovers, but Afghanistan’s recent success has signaled that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The victory over England, who had comprehensively defeated Afghanistan in the last World Cup, marks a significant turning point for the team. Their next matches in Chennai could present a challenge for New Zealand and Pakistan, as Afghanistan aims to continue their impressive performance and make a complete transition from a “choti team” to a “badi team.”