T20 WC: Top-order's performance dictates my role with the bat, says Afghanistan skipper Nabi
Oct 15, 2021
Dubai [UAE], October 15 : Afghanistan's newly appointed skipper Mohammad Nabi said he changes his game according to the situation and will replicate the same pattern in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan kick off their campaign in the showpiece event on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium against a team coming through from Round 1. Afghanistan's matches against former champions Pakistan ( October 29) and India ( November 3) are at the Dubai International Stadium.
"It depends on the match situation, whether the team needs me. If there is pressure on the top (order) that we didn't get any runs, then I try and save my wicket until the end and then I try to hit at the end," said Nabi said in a conference call organised by the ICC.
"This is my mindset to always play, depending on the situation and it has helped me a lot," he added.
Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower has been appointed as Afghanistan's senior team consultant for the upcoming World Cup. Nabi has the experience of playing under Flower in the CPL.
"I played under his coaching in CPL (Caribbean Premier League) and also in T10. He is a great coach and also a great mentor for every player as well and, also he is working with the batsmen," said Nabi.
Nabi was named Afghanistan captain after skipper Rashid Khan stepped down from the role in September this year. The Afghanistan all-rounder admitted that leading a side is a tough job but he is really excited to don the hat of captain.
"Yeah, it's (captaincy) a tough job at the end, I will try my best to lead the team in the World Cup and perform well in the tournament. (I am) really excited to play as a captain in this event," said Nabi
Afghanistan which boasts several leading players like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Nabi, will also need to contend with New Zealand and one other qualifier from Round 1 in Group 2 of the Super 12s. Nabi said the side has been gearing up for the showpiece event for the last 45 days.
"The team is brilliant, they are preparing from last one & half month, there was little bit struggle on visas, so didn't arrive in UAE early, they were practising in Qatar," said Nabi.
The ICC T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman will get underway from October 17, with the final to be played in Dubai on November 14.
