Cricket
‘I don’t think anyone is taking this series lightly’ – Ngidi─── MORGAN PIEK 12:18 Mon, 16 Sep 2024
“I don’t think anyone is taking this series lightly. They’ve got world-class cricketers and match-winners.”
The Proteas won’t be taking their three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates lightly.
The two nations will face each other in a series for the first time, albeit they have locked horns before in World Cups, including the recent T20 World Cup semi-finals earlier in the year.
The Afghans have some world-class players such as their regular captain, Rashid Khan, who also competes in the SA20.
The Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi told OFM Sport that Afghanistan punches well above their weight. “I think the opinion of a cricket team is purely based on what people think,” said Ngidi.
“It’s not always the truth – anyone’s opinion of what they think Afghanistan might play like, I don’t think that affects us because we’ve seen what they can do against other international teams.
“I don’t think anyone is taking this series lightly. They’ve got world-class cricketers and match-winners. On the day, they can beat the best in the world. We’ve seen it happen. So I don’t think anyone should be looking at them as minnows.
Rashid Khan. Photo: Cricinfo
“We definitely know what we’re in for – and the conditions have to be taken into account as well. We’re going to have to assess and see what they give us and play it from there.”
The last time Ngidi represented South Africa in a One-Day International was against Afghanistan during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. On the day the Proteas beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets with Ngidi taking 2/69 in 8.3 overs.
The first One-Day International between Afghanistan and South Africa will be played on Wednesday in Sharjah. The first ball is scheduled to be bowled at 14:00.
