Mumbai, Nov 5 (PTI) The turmoil and hardships back home have taught the Afghanistan players to play “totally fearless” cricket, feels Gulbadin Naib, and it is reflected in the manner in which they are punching above their weight in the ongoing World Cup.

Afghanistan have eight points from seven matches with four wins and three losses — similar to New Zealand and Pakistan who have played eight games each so far. Eyeing a semifinals berth, the Afghans are behind on the Net Run Rate (-0.330) but they have one extra game in hand.

“From where we belong (or come from), it has been our nature – given you know the history – that we play with an open heart – because we know that we have nothing to lose,” Naib said.

“The better we will do (in terms of performances) and the more we hold on to it, the aggression comes in naturally, the energy flows in and we also enjoy (that flow).

“The way we are playing our cricket we are enjoying it and we are not afraid. We are not bothered about what will happen or what will not, we do not have that habit.

“You look at our team, be it the seniors or young players like (Rahmanullah) Gurbaz – the way he plays – it is totally fearless. This is why we have a higher percentage of wins of late,” he added.

Afghanistan have benefitted immensely with the presence of former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja during their World Cup campaign. Placed sixth on the points table, they take on Australia in their next game here on Tuesday.

Naib, who is among the reserve players having captained Afghanistan to a silver medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, said Jadeja’s inputs have been “unbelievable” when it comes to guiding the Afghan players.

“The results also have a lot to do with the role he has played in the backroom for us. He guides the players and he shares his experience like any big player. Ajay bhai has played for India, he knows and can also anticipate what can happen at any stage in the game,” Naib told

Source: PTI News