Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi on Tuesday hailed flamboyant shot-maker Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a World Cup "matchwinner" as they plot the downfall of New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan pulled off one of the greatest shocks in the history of the tournament when they defeated defending champions England by 69 runs in New Delhi on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That victory was set up by Gurbaz's 57-ball 80, laced with eight boundaries and four sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Along with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran (28), Afghanistan enjoyed a first wicket stand of 114.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Rahmanullah can change the game anytime," said Shahidi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"You know whenever I am talking to him, I am telling him 'you are a matchwinner'. He has a lot of impact on the games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"So whenever he does well, automatically, our team will perform well."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the downside, Rahmanullah, was reprimanded on Tuesday for venting his frustration after being run-out, angrily smashing his bat against the boundary rope.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In a statement, the International Cricket Council said Gurbaz had broken the code relating to the "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan had lost both their opening games at the tournament before they stunned England, ending a 14-match World Cup losing streak stretching back to their 2015 debut.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The victory was only their second at a World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Definitely it was a big win against the defending champions for us," said Shahidi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We had belief from the beginning of the tournament but the first two games didn't go our way. But still we had the belief and we beat England."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan's win in New Delhi followed losses to Bangladesh and hosts India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shahidi also praised all-rounder Mujeeb Ur Rahman, also one of the architects of the win over England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slow bowler Mujeeb made a 16-ball 28 and then claimed 3-51 in his 10 overs as England were bowled out for 215, winning him the man of the match award.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Mujeeb has worked very hard, he gives us a lot of advantages," said the captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Due to the security situation in their own country, Afghanistan have played most of their international cricket in the United Arab Emirates and in India, a factor that Shahidi sees as a benefit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"India was our home for two or three years," said Shahidi, whose team had a preparatory camp in Chennai ahead of the 2019 World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We are used to this ground. On this ground, we had a preparation camp for the 2019 World Cup and spent 40 days here. So, all these things give us a lot of advantages."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shahidi saluted the impact of head coach Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Jonathan is a very positive person and very disciplined," said Shahidi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He always wants us to be disciplined off the field, on the field. Sometimes he goes hard on the boys."<\/p>\r\n\r\n