Rashid Khan (Photo credit: ACC) NEW DELHI: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan admitted that managing his team’s rich spin resources can be a tricky task, but said the depth also makes his job easier after their commanding 94-run win over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup opener on Tuesday. Opting to bat, Afghanistan put up 188/6, before using seven different bowlers to restrict Hong Kong to 94/9.”That is a very tough task, (selecting) the playing eleven (as well). To keep Mujeeb out is a tough decision, then Noor as well (was left out) in some games. I forgot to bowl my two overs (tonight at first),” Rashid said at the post-match presentation.”You have to see who is more successful against a particular batter (and then see). Good thing is that I have options and that makes the job easier.”Afghanistan were reduced to 26/2 before Azmatullah Omarzai’s late assault lifted them to a competitive total. Rashid, however, noted the team’s recurring weakness at the top.”It was a great game. Good to put the total on the board. But losing wickets early on is the key for us. We had the same issue in the last series (against Pakistan). That’s one area we have to look into. Upcoming games are very important and that is an area if we can make it better… Batting in the death overs was a great effort, especially Omarzai. Overall, it was a great performance.”On the decision to bat first, Rashid explained:”We have good spinners. It puts pressure on the opposition. If you have runs on the board… with batters trying to take risks, that is where you are more effective (as spinners), and that is why we are defending better than chasing.But in T20, we have to chase also, so the mentality has to be to chase as well and have a good record.”Player of the Match Omarzai smashed 53 off 21 balls with five sixes and two fours, before contributing with the ball as well.”Very tough batting in the lower order. It is all about belief. The captain and coach have belief in me. Was trying to hit it straight. We lost early wickets. I was speaking to Atal that we will go for boundaries after the 16th over,” said Omarzai.”When I get the ball, I feel I am a proper bowler. When I get to bat, I feel I am a proper batter.”Hong Kong skipper Yasim Murtaza admitted Omarzai’s knock turned the match.”Just feels like a dream come true (on playing the Asia Cup). It is one of the biggest tournaments in Asia. To be honest, we weren’t expecting that kind of total. I was expecting 150. Credit to Omarzai, he changed the game. Babar Hayat with the bat and the spinners were positive from the game.”
