Rashid Khan has downplayed the controversy surrounding Gulbadin Naib's apparent injury, saying that it did not bring a massive difference to the game that sealed Afghanistan's historic entry into the T20 World Cup semi-final.
Afghanistan entered the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time, but it wasn't without controversy: an incident involving Gulbadin Naib sparked reactions in the cricketing community.
During the 12th over of Bangladesh's chase, coach Jonathan Trott was seen gesturing at the Afghanistan players to take their time and slow the proceedings, since rain was in the air. At that time, Bangladesh had slightly fallen behind the DLS par score.
Watch: Gulbadin Naib hilariously gets ‘cramp’ after being instructed to waste time by coach
Almost instantly, Naib, positioned at first slip, clutched his hamstring and collapsed to the ground in an apparent cramp. Seemingly needing medical treatment, he walked off the field with the help of Naveen-ul-Haq and a support staff member. At the same time, light rain made an appearance, bringing the game to a stop. It didn't last for long though, with Bangladesh resuming their innings within minutes.
By then, the target had been revised to 114 in 19 overs.
Naib returned later, taking his place back from substitute Najibullah Zadran, and did not look in further discomfort. Not bowled yet, he sent down two overs thereafter, picking the wicket of Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Afghanistan eventually won by eight runs.
When speaking to Simon Doull after the game, Rashid said: "Rain isn't in your hand. It was on and off. Mentally we were always there that we had to play 20 overs and take ten wickets. That was the only way we could get to the semi-final. There was no other way. Gulbadin had some cramp, I think. Hopefully, he will be alright. But that wicket that he gave us was a massive one at that stage."
#ICYMI: Afghanistan's wins against the higher-ranked sides aren't 'upsets' anymore because they deserve every bit of their success, having reached an equal footing while standing true to themselves and their beliefs.
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At the post-match press conference, Rashid further elaborated on the incident: "Well, he had some cramp, I don't know what happened to him and I don't know what's going on in social media, but that doesn't matter.
"It's just the end field injury which comes and then we haven't lost any overs, the rain came and we just went off, it's not something like brought a massive difference in the game," Rashid said.
"We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it's just like a small injury comes in, then you have to take some time."
Afghanistan will now face South Africa in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup on June 26.
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