Rashid Khan Responds to “Second-Best in Asia” Claim After Loss to Bangladesh

SHARJAH: Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has expressed his opinion on the "second-best in Asia' label, noting that his team's objective is to enhance their performances.

Rashid stated in the post-match conference that they were not referred to as the second-best side.

“There’s always talk about us being the second-best team in Asia, but that’s not something we claimed ourselves,” he said.

The spin wizard emphasized Afghanistan's previous results and the need for progress.

“That label came because of our past performances. If you look back at the Asia Cup, World Cup semi-finals, and ODI World Cup, we’ve beaten some top sides. Even in the Champions Trophy, we defeated England. Of course, in the future, if we don’t play well, we could slip to third, fourth, fifth, or lower,” he continued.

“Our goal is simply to improve as a team and deliver on the day. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, that’s cricket. What matters is staying hungry to perform and aiming to get better every time. The whole ‘second-best in Asia’ narrative is just something the media has created, not us,” Rashid concluded.

For reference, Afghanistan is currently engaged in a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Notably, after being ousted from the Asia Cup 2025 group stage, they began their series against the Tigers with a loss.

Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by four wickets in the first T20I match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan could only generate 151 for 9 in 20 overs after deciding to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the top scorer, with 40 from 31 balls, including three sixes and two fours.

Bangladesh responded with the winning runs in 18.4 overs, thanks to a solid opening stand.  Parvez Hossain Emon & Tanzid Hasan were standout batsmen, reaching half-centuries each.

Despite the setback, Rashid Khan continued to be Afghanistan's star bowler, taking four wickets in his four overs.

The second T20I between the two sides is presently underway at the same site, with Bangladesh aiming for a series victory after choosing to bowl first.