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Rashid Khan Vows to Stay Hungry After Afghanistan's T20 World Cup Exit

Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended early despite a win against the UAE, following initial losses to New Zealand and a super-over defeat to South Africa. Captain Rashid Khan took to social media to thank fans for their support and express his continued passion for the game. The team, memorable semifinalists in 2024, was eliminated from the 'Group of Death' after New Zealand's result sealed their fate. They will play Canada in their final group match, seeking a consolation victory.

Key Points: Rashid Khan on Afghanistan's T20 World Cup 2026 Exit

  • Early tournament exit for 2024 semifinalists
  • Losses to New Zealand and South Africa proved costly
  • Team's fate decided by other match results
  • Rashid Khan thanks fans for unwavering support
  • Final group match against Canada remains
2 min read

T20 WC: 'Still hungry to give my best...', says Rashid after Afghanistan's early exit

After Afghanistan's early T20 World Cup exit, captain Rashid Khan expresses gratitude to fans and reaffirms his hunger to perform on the field.

"Still hungry to give my best every time I step on the field. - Rashid Khan"

New Delhi, Feb 17

After Afghanistan endured an early exit from the T20 world Cup 2026, skipper Rashid Khan extended his gratitude for all the support he and his team received, saying "he is still hungry to give his best whenever he steps onto the field."

After their 5-wicket loss to New Zealand in their campaign opener in Group D, followed by an agonising super over loss to South Africa, the 2024 semifinalists stayed in contention for the Super Eight stage with a five-wicket win over UAE in New Delhi on Monday. But, with New Zealand beating Canada on Tuesday, it meant the Asian side suffered an early exit from the tournament.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me through the ups and downs. Your love means everything. Still learning, still enjoying the game, and still hungry to give my best every time I step on the field," Rashid shared on X.

The Group of Death was bound to have at least one full-member team eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. It turned out to be the 2024 World Cup semi-finalists Afghanistan. Defeat to New Zealand and the close super over loss to South Africa meant that the Afghans' fate was no longer in their hands.

Afghanistan will be looking for a consolation win to wrap up their campaign on a positive note when they take on Canada in their last fixture on Thursday at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

In the previous edition, Afghanistan famously progressed to their maiden ICC World Cup semifinal, denying the Black Caps a spot in the T20 World Cup's next phase.

Not only did they beat New Zealand at the last T20 World Cup, as has been mentioned, but their victory over Australia set up their epic run to the semifinal, which they eventually lost to South Africa.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad to see them go out so early after their amazing 2024 run. But Rashid's attitude is everything! "Still hungry to give my best" – that's the mindset of a leader. Wishing them all the best against Canada.
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Rohit P
Honestly, the team selection and batting order in the first two matches were questionable. They relied too much on Rashid to bail them out. Need to build a stronger middle order for the next tournament. Still, respect to the skipper.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, it's inspiring to see how much passion Rashid and the Afghan team play with. The super over was brutal. Hope they finish strong in Chennai!
V
Vikram M
The group was just too strong. NZ and SA are top sides. Sometimes luck isn't on your side, like that super over. But they beat UAE comfortably, which shows their quality. Rashid is a gem for world cricket.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian fan, I have a soft spot for Afghanistan cricket. They bring so much excitement. Rashid's message is pure class. Hope they get more matches in India, the crowd loves them here! 💙

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