Follow UsAfghanistan have won back-to-back World Cup games for the first time, and head coach Jonathan Trott believes that the mantra is to set smaller targets while chasing. Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets on Monday (October 30) to keep their hopes of making the semis alive.
"I think when it's batting first, it's a little bit different. I think it's more a case of communication, and the targets will change. When it's chasing, the target obviously never changes, unless it's Duckworth Lewis, obviously," Trott said when asked about the mindset while batting first and chasing.
"So, there's a bit more focus with regards to breaking it down into smaller targets. But sometimes, certainly, like the Pakistan game, chasing 280 and starting on 0, it's a long way away. But if you break it down, it seems a lot more manageable.
"So those sorts of things, little things, you know, motivating the players and keeping them in touch with where we want to be. And it's also a feel-good factor. If you know you're on the right track, it's also a nice feeling as well."
While it is not the case of getting comfortable chasing for Afghanistan, Trott believes that the team chooses what to do first based on the conditions, more importantly, keeping in mind their spinners.
"I think you've got to look at the conditions, and you've got to look at the pitch and what suits our team. I think for us spinners always to bowl with a dry ball is always going to be crucial and getting a bit of turn," Trott explained.
"We saw the way Noor [Ahmad] bowled last game and the wickets he got. So, we're very lucky in that we got options to be able to select for quite different conditions, but also different conditions when it comes to weather and the effect that the weather has on the pitch and the outfield.
"So, nobody’s got 100 yet, so that's the next challenge. Someone accepting responsibility and batting for a longer period of time and make sure we get 100s. We see a lot of 100s scored in the tournament. That's the next frontier."
Azmatullah Omarzai picked up the crucial wicket of Pathum Nissanka, and with the bat, he remained unbeaten on 73 off just 63 deliveries. He hit the winning runs, albeit, was lucky to do so given that he was dropped in the deep while looking to finish things off with a maximum.
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Omarzai could also be an excellent option with the new ball, which is something Trott says has been discussed with him.
"I had that chat in a previous game. I'm not going to say which game. I thought it would be a good time. But we didn't go with it. But I thought he bowled really well today. His first two overs with three runs. Picked up an important wicket as well, breakthrough," Trott said.
"I think he's a fantastic player. I think as far as talent goes, he works really hard, he's a fit boy, a good athlete and catches as well. So, I think for him, the sky's the limit. We've got some really talented young players, and it's really exciting to see.
"That's what he wants to do in the game. I think he's got that type of character as well. And whenever you see a guy like him do well, it always makes you feel good because you're so happy for him. And he's so chuffed to be able to hit the winning runs for Afghanistan and be the world to him.
"Would have been nice if it wasn't a chance, but I'll be mentioning that to him later. But I thought of the way that he played and a natural striker of the cricket ball, I haven't seen many better. So, yeah, really happy he's on our side."
Afghanistan, who have already won three games this World Cup, take on Netherlands next on Friday (November 3) in Lucknow.