SportsPosted at: Sep 17 2026 11:41PM


Afghanistan need more games against bigger teams to bridge gap: Ibrahim Zadran

New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran on Thursday said his team needs to play more matches, particularly against top-ranked international sides, to close the gap and become more competitive at the highest level.
Speaking after Afghanistan's 3-0 T20I series defeat to India, Zadran said the team showed some improvement in the powerplay but failed to capitalise on its intent as it lost wickets in succession.
"We improved a little bit in the powerplay. I'm totally happy with the intent. I would say we didn't contribute well in today's game. We just gave back-to-back wickets," Zadran said.
He said Afghanistan were aware of the areas that needed improvement and would continue working on carrying their aggressive intent through the innings.
"We will struggle for a little bit in one or two series, but I'm pretty sure with time, we will improve. If we are not going to work and we are not going to have that intent, then it's really hard to beat the big teams at the international level," he said.
Zadran identified lack of exposure against stronger opposition as one of the key areas Afghanistan need to address following their return from the T20 World Cup.
"It was the first series for us after the T20 World Cup. So we need to play more games, more series, especially against the bigger teams. The more we play, I'm sure we will improve," he said.
While Afghanistan regularly play teams such as Zimbabwe and Ireland, Zadran said the side needed greater exposure to top-level competition and improvements in fitness and overall preparation.
"We have that level of skills. But if you want to improve, we should work on ourselves and fitness to level up with the biggest teams," he said.
The Afghanistan captain said sustained exposure to stronger opposition would eventually enable his side to challenge the leading teams more consistently.
"Then I'm pretty sure we will give a tough time, and we will beat the big teams all the time. But it will take time. We just need more games in a year," Zadran said.
Afghanistan, who were the hosts in the series while India were the visitors despite the matches being played in New Delhi due to security concerns in Afghanistan, were swept 3-0 by India.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Afghanistan need more games against bigger teams to bridge gap: Ibrahim Zadran
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