Beating Pakistan was a special moment: Afghanistan coach Jonathon Trott

Afghanistan’s coach Jonathan Trott looked back on their World Cup 2023 journey following a defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad. During his final post-match press conference, Trott highlighted the unforgettable victory over Pakistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as a standout moment in the tournament, emphasizing its significance in their campaign.

He showered praises on the team for their remarkable journey, clinching four victories and a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy as well. He commended the Afghan squad, highlighting their exceptional talent and their pride in donning their nation’s colors on the global stage. He also underscored their unity in pursuing a shared objective, transcending personal hurdles to collectively advance.

“You know, a real good bunch of guys. I think they’re very proud, very, very proud of representing their side. And I enjoy that, I like that, when you’re proud of who you are and what you’re sort of representing with regards to the challenges to be able to become a cricket player and perhaps personal challenges in the past and able to put that to a side and for a common goal,” Trott said at the post-match press conference.

“There have been times, there’s been tough testing times for sure, but these four wins in this World Cup, the joy on their face beating Pakistan for the first time, that makes everything worthwhile. So that’s really a moment I won’t forget along with a lot of the other guys as well,” he added.

Trott regrets not winning their first game against Bangladesh

The 42-year-old expressed regret over Afghanistan’s inability to triumph over Bangladesh in their tournament opener, acknowledging that this setback hindered their path to a potential semi-final berth. Despite the frustrations, the former England batter acknowledged the team’s notable moments in the competition and accepted the inevitable fluctuations in cricket, understanding that victory is not guaranteed on every occasion.

“Especially after losing the first game against Bangladesh, which we probably would have seen as a sort of must-win or a very much winnable game. So, after that, I’d certainly have taken it, but it’s still a case of sitting here today thinking there’s a few other games that we left out there that we could have perhaps won,” Trott concluded.