New Delhi, February 17 – After Afghanistan suffered an early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, captain Rashid Khan expressed his gratitude for the support he and his team received, saying, "I am still eager to give my best whenever I step onto the field."
Following their 5-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their Group D opener, and a nail-biting super over loss against South Africa, the 2024 semifinalists remained in contention for the Super Eight stage with a 5-wicket victory over the UAE in New Delhi on Monday. However, with New Zealand defeating Canada on Tuesday, it meant that the Asian team had to exit the tournament early.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me through the highs and lows. Your support means everything. I am still learning, still enjoying the game, and still determined to give my best every time I step onto the field," Rashid shared on X.
The "Group of Death" was bound to eliminate at least one full-member team in the group stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. It turned out to be the 2024 World Cup semifinalists, Afghanistan. Their defeat to New Zealand and the close super over loss to South Africa meant that Afghanistan's fate was no longer in their control.
Afghanistan will be looking for a consolation win to conclude their campaign on a positive note when they face Canada in their final match on Thursday at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
In the previous edition, Afghanistan famously reached their maiden ICC World Cup semifinal, denying the Black Caps a spot in the T20 World Cup's next phase.
Not only did they defeat New Zealand at the last T20 World Cup, as mentioned, but their victory over Australia set up their epic run to the semifinal, which they eventually lost to South Africa.
