Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib defended Rashid Khan after the star spinner conceded 110 runs in nine overs in the 150-run defeat to England at Old Trafford in World Cup 2019 on Tuesday.
England batsman smashed 25 sixes, off which 17 were hit by captain Eoin Morgan, as England reached a massive score of 397/6 in 50 overs. In reply, Afghanistan managed 247/8 in 50 overs slumping to its fifth defeat in as many matches at the World Cup 2019.
While admitting that he has never seen an innings such as Eoin Morgan's blistering 148(71b), Naib backed Rashid Khan despite the leg-spinner recording the most expensive figures in World Cup history.
"He's one of the best spinners, he's a star player in world cricket. It can happen with any player, not just Rashid," Naib said.
"Everyone knows how good he is and how he bowls. I think it was not his day today. It's cricket, sometimes you do well, sometimes this kind of stuff happens. I'm happy with him. I don't think it's a big deal," Naib said.
Rashid did create an opportunity when Morgan -- then on 28 -- offered a catch into slog-sweep, but Dawlat Zadran misjudged it near deep midwicket boundary.
"We missed a catch of Morgan. May be, we lost the match there," Naib said.
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