Jonathan Trott Expresses Frustration with Match Referee After Afghanistan’s Loss to Sri Lanka in Asia Cup
Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, didn’t mince words as he criticized the Match Referee following his team’s defeat against Sri Lanka in a crucial Asia Cup match.
In the last group match of the Asia Cup, Afghanistan needed to chase down Sri Lanka’s target within 37.1 overs to secure a spot in the Super 4 stage.
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a formidable total of 292 runs. Afghanistan gave their all in pursuit of the target, with all-rounder Mohammad Nabi achieving the fastest ODI half-century for Afghanistan in just 24 deliveries.
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However, as the 37th over concluded, Afghanistan found themselves at 289/8. They needed 3 runs from the final delivery of that over to maintain their qualification hopes. Unfortunately, Mujeeb Ur Rahman was dismissed on that last delivery, and the equation changed to requiring 293 runs in 37.2 overs. Rashid Khan, positioned at the non-striker’s end, appeared to be unaware that Afghanistan still had an opportunity to win the match if they reached 297 runs, even after 38.1 overs.
Jonathan Trott revealed that they had not been informed or advised by any match officials regarding the situation. He stated, “We were never communicated those calculations. All we were communicated was we needed to win in 37.1 overs. We weren’t told what the overs in which we could get 295 or 297. (That we could win even after) 38.1 overs was never communicated to us.”
Trott emphasized that the loss could not be attributed to a single reason. He acknowledged that there were areas where his team could have performed better, both in the match against Sri Lanka and the one against Bangladesh. He lamented missed opportunities, particularly in the bowling department, but acknowledged that such situations were part of the game.
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