Dhoni lauds Afghanistan for impressive display
By IANSSaturday, May 1, 2010
GROS ISLET - Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was Saturday full of praise for new entrants Afghanistan, who put up an impressive performance in their maiden World Twenty20 match.
India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets, but the team from the war-torn country showed promise. Dhoni acknowledged they have the makings of an international side.
“I am happy to see this side. They are a good team. After losing wickets early, they played well. Their middle order batting looks strong.”
“And they were not letting anything go. I am sure they will improve from here,” Dhoni said.
Afghanistan lost three quick wicket but Noor Ali scored 50 off 48 balls and was involved in a 68-run stand with Asghar Stanikzai (30) to steady the scoring.
Afghanistan skipper Nowroz Mangal said it was a big moment for them as they played their first major international match.
“It is a big moment, a big day for us,” Mangal said with the help of an interpreter.
“We know that India is among the best teams in the world. We lost the toss and the ball was seaming early in the morning so it made things a bit difficult.”
“We want to play teams like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka more often. They are experienced sides and we can learn from them,” he said.
