Naib absorbed the early pressure well before accelerating his innings, going from 18 off 16 balls to reaching his half-century off just 29 deliveries. The team management was even willing to move down their most prolific batsman, Sediqullah Atal, to accommodate Naib at number 3.
“Without giving away too many tactics, I thought he’s playing well and all that [No.3] position suits him. So hopefully he can continue to do that. I thought he looked decent. He just didn’t get the runs in the series against West Indies. He didn’t get too many [runs]but hopefully he is starting to get into shape now and can continue that form for the rest of the tournament,” Trott said at the post-match press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Naib had previously enjoyed success in third-placed India in 2024, when he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer in a three-match T20I series, amassing 112 runs in two innings at a strike rate of over 190. He also brings valuable experience of beating the order for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 in the UAE and captaining the franchise in the Global Super League in Guyana.
“He’s a strong ball player. He’s got a lot of experience. He’s played a lot of cricket all over the world and was previously successful in India in our T20 series a few years ago. He loves playing here in India and these wickets suit him so hopefully he can continue that form, he’s a good player,” Trott said.
Afghanistan has discovered another exciting batting prospect in Darwish Rasooli. The 26-year-old made his T20I debut four years ago and has recently found his groove in the format, registering three consecutive half-centuries. His standout performance came in Dubai last month, where he played a match-winning knock of 84 off 59 balls against the West Indies.
“He’s been in the squad a few times and we’ve seen how well he played against the West Indies in the series there in Dubai. So his form continued today and he’s solidifying that middle order nicely. His form is great and hopefully like Gulbadin he can continue that form at No. 5 and that strength! We’ve seen the strength that he has,” Trott said.
“So I’m happy to see him go for the rest of the tournament. He’s developed well and been in and around the squads. Our coaches have worked with him so they deserve a lot of credit. Hopefully all the hard work pays for itself, but also the work we’ve done with him,” he added.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan went into the match without left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad, who had been particularly impressive for Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk during IPL 2025. While Trott had no issues with the selected bowling combination on a pitch with visible cracks, he expressed disappointment with the fast bowlers’ execution.
‘We thought with the cracks [there] would be a bit uneven bouncing and we were right about that. I think the selection was correct, we just didn’t bowl well enough. Unfortunately the sealers just didn’t bowl well enough. I thought she [New Zealand batters] well played. They were putting pressure on the seams,” Trott said.
“In hindsight, it’s always fun or it’s also dangerous. I didn’t think it would amount to much either. I know Noor has experience playing here, but these are new wickets, so it’s not like he would have bowled on them before. That’s true, but you always think when you lose, you wish you could have done things a little differently, don’t you?”, he concluded.
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