The flamboyant Afghanistan opener, Mohammad Shahzad reckons that his team can reach the semifinals of the World Cup in England next year. Shahzad, who has more than 2500 runs under his belt in 76 ODIs, is confident that the depth in the Afghanistan squad, which makes them formidable opponents for any team they come across.

During an interview with Sportstar, Shahzad said, “On our day, we can beat any of the sub-continental teams. Our batting is coming together, we have fast bowlers in Dawlat Zadran and Aftab Alam and you all know about our spinners. We believe we have a chance of making the semifinals.”

Afghanistan is currently in Chennai for specialized training where Shahzad has just joined his teammates, just days after smashing a 16-ball unbeaten 74 in the T10 League in the UAE. For him, his philosophy towards batting remains the same, whether he is playing red ball or white ball cricket.

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Talking about his batting philosophy, Shehzad said, “I play my natural game. I look at the length and if the ball is in my zone, I go for it irrespective of the format.”

Shahzad’s had a difficult journey as a cricketer, right from the time he learned to play the game in Peshawar. Now, as he enjoys the spotlight of being an international cricketer, he makes sure that every milestone and achievement on a cricket field is special to him. Earlier, the swashbuckling revealed that he takes care of his fitness but at the same time he eats a lot as well. He also doesn’t want to have a fitness routine like the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, who is amongst the fittest cricketers among the current pool of cricketers. 

Describing the same, the fiery batsman said, “There are not too many occasions to smile or shake a leg on a cricket field,” he chuckled. “It’s a serious sport. So, when I get an opportunity, I make the most of it.”