T20 World Cup 2021, Afghanistan vs Namibia: Namibia gives guard of honour to a retiring Asghar Afghan

By Team Newsable | First Published Oct 31, 2021, 5:50 PM IST

Asghar Afghan has announced that he will retire from cricket following the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. On Sunday, during Aghanistan's clash against Namibia, the latter gave him a guard of honour.

Afghanistan batter and former skipper, Asghar Afghan has announced that he would be bidding adieu to international cricket following the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On Sunday, he is playing the Group 2 Super 12 game against Namibia at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

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With Afghanistan batting first, Afghan came in as the fourth batter in the side and played a clean knock of 23-ball 31 before departing to pacer Ruben Trumpelmann in the 19th over after being caught by Michael van Lingen. However, following his dismissal, the Namibians upheld the spirit of cricket, as instead of celebrating, they gave him a guard of honour.

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At the same time, he was also given another guard by his teammates upon returning to the dressing room. Meanwhile, here's how the social media reacted to his guard of honour.

Brilliant by Namibia to not celebrate the wicket of Asghar Afghan who played his final innings. Great gesture by the Namibian team. Afghan team also gave him guard of honour. pic.twitter.com/Y0P1Xukbck

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)

Asghar Afghan was in tears after playing his final International innings. pic.twitter.com/MIuCNAG6Y7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Emotional moment for Asghar Afghan as he batted in his last innings for Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/klH3gfzhmt

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)

Guard of honour for Asghar Afghan. Nice gesture from Namibia. Been a great leader of this Afghanistan side. pic.twitter.com/5uiEkTa56I

— Ryan (@ryandesa_07)

After his innings, an emotional Afghan in tears said, "I want to give a chance to youngsters now. It is the right time for the youngsters to come forward. Most of the people asked to continue till the end of the tournament. But I thought this was the right time after the loss in the last game. There are plenty of memories. It is tough for me."

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Afghan made his international debut in 2004 and has represented the side across formats. He has represented the side in five Tests, scoring 440 runs at an average of 44.0, scoring a ton and three half-centuries, while in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he has played in 115 games scoring 2,467 at 24.67, scoring a ton and 12 50s.

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In the Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), he has played 75 matches, scoring 1,358 at 21.56 and a strike rate of 110.32, with four half-centuries. He also led the side across formats before the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) removed him from the role earlier this year.

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Afghanistan finished at a score of 160/5 against Namibia, as a win here would keep it in contention for the semis, while a defeat could jeopardise its chances. It is coming off a close and heartbreaking losing performance to neighbouring rival Pakistan.

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