TAUNTON, England: Rashid Khan was rattled after ducking into a short ball from one of cricket’s genuine pacemen. So much so that he didn’t come out to bowl.
Afghanistan’s brightest cricket star failed an initial concussion test on Saturday after being hit on the helmet by Lockie Ferguson and took no further part in his team’s seven-wicket loss to New Zealand at the World Cup.
It was a major setback for the injury-depleted Afghan lineup, missing one of the most highly rated bowlers in short-form cricket as they tried to defend a small total of 172. The New Zealanders, runners-up at the last World Cup, cruised to victory with one-third of their allotted overs to spare.
It was a third consecutive loss for Afghanistan in the 10-team tournament, and came in the wake of influential batsman-wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad being ruled out of the tournament with an injured knee.
The International Cricket Council issued a statement saying Rashid was withdrawn from the game at Somerset’s County Ground as a precaution. And Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib later said his star spinner’s condition wasn’t as bad as it first seemed.
“He’s feeling much now better. So he’s fine,” Naib said, attributing Rashid’s absence to the fact he’d been stunned by a blow to the head from a ball traveling at 140 kph (87 mph) and the team doctor told him to rest. “That’s why he didn’t come to the ground.”
Rashid was bowled without scoring when he was hit by a delivery that jagged back, bounced sharply into him and deflected into the stumps.
He walked away from the crease with his head down, and was checked by team medical staff before he reached the boundary. He failed an initial test for concussion and the team’s doctor later decided it was safer not to send Rashid back onto the field.
After playing three games in eight days, Afghanistan now gets a week off before its next match against South Africa.
The International Cricket Council has concussion protocols that Rashid needs to clear before he can play again, but Naib is confident his bowling ace will be available after a week.
“He’s well,” he said, “Afghani people are strong.”
The 20-year-old legspinner is No. 1 in the Twenty20 cricket rankings and in the top three in the ODI format, but has been relatively subdued so far in the tournament with 1-52 against Australia and 2-17 against Sri Lanka in his first two games.
Afghani fast bowler Hamid Hassan said the whole squad would benefit from an extended break between games.
“We have to reset our mindset again for six matches,” he said. “At least we can try our best to win two or three matches.
“We have to always think and stay positive. Until the end of the last ball of the last game, we’ll keep the spirit high.”
Afghans: Rashid is OK after head knock against New Zealand
Afghans: Rashid is OK after head knock against New Zealand
- Injury-depleted Afghan lineup
- Afghanistan captain says his star spinner’s condition wasn’t as bad as it first seemed
Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open
- The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club
RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.
The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.
Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.
Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.
Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.
Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”
“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”
Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.
Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”
He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”
