ADVERTISEMENT
Rashid to be fit for SA clash: Naib
PTI
Last Updated IST
SHAKEN UP: New Zealand's Kane Williamson helps Afghanistan's Rashid Khan after he was hit on his head by pacer Lockie Ferguson. Reuters
SHAKEN UP: New Zealand's Kane Williamson helps Afghanistan's Rashid Khan after he was hit on his head by pacer Lockie Ferguson. Reuters

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib is expecting his main strike bowler Rashid Khan to be fit for the side's next World Cup game against South Africa on June 15, following a blow to his head while batting against New Zealand.

Star spinner Rashid did not come out to bowl after being hit on the head by a sharp Ferguson bouncer in the first innings. Afghanistan eventually suffered their third loss in a row here on Saturday.

Rashid underwent a concussion test and thereafter it was decided that he would not take the field for the remainder of the game. However, Naib is not too worried over Rashid's fitness as Afghanistan's next game is a week away, giving him plenty of time to recover.

ADVERTISEMENT

"He's feeling now better. The doctor said don't go to the field but now he's feeling well. So he needed rest. So obviously we have a couple of days. He's fine now," Naib said after the seven-wicket loss to New Zealand.

"I asked the physio if he needed rest, some headache. We have a rest of one week for the other game. So now he's feeling well. So he should go to the hospital and check for some tests. He's well. Afghani people is strong. So it's just a small thing," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 09 June 2019, 16:45 IST)