Afghanistan came into the World Cup with a reputation of being the giant-slayers, but unfortunately things didn't go its way. After having played five matches and losing all of them, the Gulbadin Naib-team is now placed at the bottom in points table.
There was always this belief of spin being its strength and Rashid Khan — the x-factor. However, the leg-spinner has had a poor outing in the tournament, having picked only four wickets (including match against India) at an average of 65.50.
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There is always an expectation from Rashid, mainly because of his exploits in T20 cricket around the world. He came under tremendous pressure and scrutiny after the England game, where he took a hammering by conceding 110 runs and going wicketless in his nine overs.
The real test was against India and he came out trumps by finishing with figures of 1-38 in his 10 overs. India had already got into a tangle when he came on to bowl, which allowed him to settle down and bowl to his strengths.
Read: India exposed to Afghan spin trick
Indian batsmen also played into his hands by having a defensive approach. With the ball gripping off the surface, Rashid varied his length and pace really well and was later rewarded with the big wicket of M.S. Dhoni.
After opting to bat, Afghan spinners had the Indian batsmen on the mat and restricting them to 224/8. Rashid surely made a point by bouncing back with a brilliant spell of spin bowling.
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