'Not the Pitch That You Want to Have a Match': Coach Trott Lambasts Semi-final Pitch After Afghanistan's Exit

Afghanistan’s remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 ended on Thursday with a 9-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first semi-final in Trinidad. Unlike their previous fixtures, the Afghans succumbed under pressure and were bundled out for 56 after opting to bat. In reply, the Proteas finished the chase successfully with 66 balls to spare and qualified for the first-ever final of an ICC event in 25 years.

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Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has lambasted the pitch used for the game, asserting that it was unfit for a contest of such magnitude. It offered lateral seam movement and inconsistent bounce, becoming a nightmare for batters of both sides.

“I don’t want to get myself into trouble and I don’t want to come across as bitter or it being a case of sour grapes but that’s not the pitch that you want to have a match, a semi-final of a World Cup on, plain and simple,” Trott said at the post-match press conference.

“It should be a fair contest. I’m not saying it should be flat completely with no spin and no seam movement, I’m saying you shouldn’t have batsmen worrying about going forward. They should be confident in foot movement and be able to hit through the line or use their skills. T20 is about attacking and about scoring runs and taking wickets, not looking to survive,” he added.

Rashid Khan & Co had an emotionally charged and hectic 40 hours before their first-ever semifinal appearance at a World Cup. After their last Super 8 fixture against Bangladesh, their flight to Tarouba was delayed by four hours, leaving the players tired before the game.

“We only got back to the hotel at three o’clock and then we had to leave at eight o’clock — five hours later so we didn’t get much sleep so the guys obviously were very tired and a lot to process really emotionally and physically. So all new territory for the guys,” Trott said.

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