Champions Trophy: Jonathan Trott highlights SA20's impact in Afghanistan's loss
What's the story
Afghanistan, who were seen a potential surprise package in the ongoing Champions Trophy, were handed a crushing defeat by South Africa by 107 runs in Karachi.
The defeat came as a shocker especially since Afghanistan had defeated South Africa in an ODI series in the UAE three months ago.
Meanwhile, coach Jonathan Trott has revealed his thoughts about the team's defeat while hinting that SA20, SA's franchise tournament, probably played a hand in reducing the in-game rivalry.
Coach's analysis
Trott points out factors contributing to Afghanistan's defeat
Following the loss, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott pointed out a few reasons behind the team's downfall.
"It's quite difficult to get that rivalry going when last week some players were playing in the same team together," Trott said while speaking to the press after the defeat.
He also emphasized the team's bowling woes and their batters' inability to lay a strong foundation for the chase.
Rivalry impact
Trott discusses impact of SA20 on team rivalry
Trott said he wasn't sure if the recent players from both teams coming together in the SA20 was a good thing or a bad thing.
"I'm not quite sure whether it's a pro or a con really," Trott stated.
"Today, a lot of these players have played together in franchises in the SA20. It's always tricky where the line is between rivalry or friendship on and off the field," he added.
Crowd support
Trott acknowledges crowd support and future challenges
Despite the defeat, Trott noted the huge crowd support the team got in Karachi.
He hoped for a similar or even bigger turnout at their next matches against England and Australia in Lahore.
Looking ahead, he said, "We know we've got to pull our socks up and play a lot better against England on the 26th and against Australia on the 28th."
Captain's confidence
Shahidi expressed confidence in Afghanistan's tournament prospects
Despite recent setbacks, Afghanistan have shown resilience in past ICC tournaments.
They were knocked out of the 2023 ODI WC but made it to the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup before losing to South Africa.
However, ahead of their tournament opener, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had expressed confidence about Afghanistan's prospects.
"We are doing very well, and in this tournament, we are here to compete," he had said.
Match recap
All-round South Africa demolish Afghanistan
As mentioned, South Africa demolished Afghanistan in the first Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Chasing 316 in Karachi, Afghanistan fell well short by 107 runs as the Proteas bowlers struck at regular intervals.
Earlier in the match, South Africa posted a daunting total of 315/6 thanks to a ton from Ryan Rickelton.
Captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram recorded fifties.