‘I have to go and stay till the end’ – Rashid Khan reveals picking fifer despite hamstring injury against South Africa

Rashid Khan reveals picking fifer despite hamstring injury against South Africa (Source – Getty Images)

Hosts Afghanistan staged another historic win as they won the second ODI against South Africa on Friday, September 20, at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah. The team was coming off a comprehensive win over the Proteas in the first ODI and the second victory was as emphatic as any has been for the Asian nation. Particularly, Rashid Khan displayed his usual magic with the ball claiming a fifer. 

The visitors got off to a good start while chasing a target of 312, as they had scored 73 runs inside 14 overs. The downfall was triggered by Rashid Khan, who had his hamstring pulled, and did not stop after sending Tony de Zorzi back to the pavilion. Rashid after the game, quipped that the motto was to stay till the end despite the hamstring injury he had contracted a month before.

“I got a hamstring [injury], I had it a month before as well, quite unlucky but I tried my best to stay on the ground till the end, tried my best to do for the team as much as I can. Big opportunity for us as a team you know, to win the series against a big team and that’s what I had in my mind: my contribution will be the key so I have to go and stay till the end,” Rashid was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Also Check- What makes Rashid Khan’s bowling technique so unique?

Maybe Rahmat Shah will play the next game: Shahidi 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz got back to form with a spectacular century scoring 105 off 110 deliveries. He was well supported by Rahmat Shah as he scored a vital half-century for the side. But the veteran had to leave the field in the 21st over as cramps became unbearable. Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi hoped that the issue is not serious other than just cramps.

Also Read- Cricket South Africa confirms playing bilaterals with Afghanistan in future

“I talked with him, he’s good inshallah, maybe he will play the next game. But before that also I think he was not feeling good, hamstring happened to him, hopefully, he will be okay and play the other game,” said Shahidi after the conclusion of the game.