Gulbadin Naib’s Afghanistan are yet to win a match in World Cup 2019 (Source: Reuters) Gulbadin Naib’s Afghanistan are yet to win a match in World Cup 2019 (Source: Reuters)

Afghanistan have improved significantly in their last two matches in the Cricket World Cup and it could be their day on Monday when they take on Bangladesh in a group game at Hampshire Bowl, captain Gulbadin Naib said.

When asked about their approach towards the Tigers, Naib came up with a cheeky answer and said, “Hum to dube hai sanam, tumko lekar dubenge (We have already drowned darling, but we will take you with us).”

Afghanistan remain rooted to the bottom of the points table after six defeats in as many matches in their second World Cup appearance.

They did not last their full 50 overs in their first four matches, a streak they finally snapped in their comprehensive defeat by England on Tuesday.

Naib’s men, however, draw motivation from Saturday’s narrow-miss against India when they fell 11 runs short of a major upset win over the two-time champions.

“I think we cannot take it easy against Bangladesh. They’re a good side and they proved themselves in this stage,” Naib told reporters on Sunday.

“But one thing about my team is that it’s not an easy team. The first four or five games, we played very badly but we are improving day by day, and hopefully tomorrow will be our day.”

“In the first three-four games, we struggled a lot. The surface and the wickets are totally different. We didn’t expect it.”

Afghanistan will play Bangladesh, who have two wins from six matches, on the same slow track on Monday.

“It’s a very good wicket for us. It’s like Asian conditions with the ball turning,” Naib said.

“Yesterday you saw it against India, who have probably the best batting attack.

“So if the wicket helps our spinners, it’s very difficult for any team, not only Bangladesh.”

While Afghanistan are yet to register any points in this World Cup, Bangladesh find themselves in sixth spot on the points table with 5 points from six matches.

(With agency inputs)

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