ICC World Cup 2019 | Missed an opportunity to beat one of the best teams, says Gulbadin Naib

Afghanistan succumbed to a disheartening 11-run loss against Asian powerhouses India when the two teams met at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground on Saturday. A strong bowling performance in the first innings ensured that India were restricted to a score of 224/8 after 50 overs. But the Afghanistan batting-order failed to do enough to reach the target of 225 set by India as Mohammad Nabi took the game right to the last over.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib lamented his side’s missed opportunities that ultimately resulted in a narrow loss yesterday.

"We are sad because we have a chance to beat this kind of team. In the World Cup, it's a big achievement for any team. But the big teams, they don't give you a single chance. Today we missed an opportunity to win, to beat India, one of the best sides," Naib told reporters.

One key player on Saturday was all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who took two wickets and was his side's highest scorer with 52 runs before falling in the last over of the day as India's Mohammed Shami claimed a hat-trick.

"Today Nabi showed the skills, how he's one of the best players of Afghanistan and also in the world. Actually, we planned that we're going to take the match at the end to the (last) five overs. So Nabi played really well according to the plan.

"When we played (our) first four games, we lost really badly, and then we played against England and now India - strong sides and also they are the favourites of the tournament. So I think we're now getting better and better day by day," Naib added.