Ngidi takes aim at Afghans

Proteas seamer, Lungi Ngidi, has highlighted the importance of their upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, stressing that they won’t be taking their opponents lightly.

The two nations will face each other in a series for the first time, having previously only locked horns in World Cups, including the recent T20 World Cup semi-finals earlier in the year.

Speaking to the media today, Ngidi was well aware of the threat that the Afghans pose, with some world class players plying their trade in T20 competitions around the world.

He said they will not be concerned about their opponents’ lowly rank. “I think the opinion of a cricket team is purely based on what people think,” said Ngidi.

“It’s not always the truth – anyone’s opinion on what they think Afghanistan might play like, I don’t think that affects us because we’ve seen what they can do against other international teams. I don’t think anyone is taking this series lightly. They’ve got world-class cricketers and match-winners. On the day, they can beat the best in the world. We’ve seen it happen. So, I don’t think anyone should be looking at them as minnows.”

Ngidi will also be keen to remind South Africans of the form that endeared him to them having last represented South Africa in an ODI against Afghanistan during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India, a match the Proteas beat the Afghans in by 5-wickets with Ngidi taking 2 wickets.

The first One-Day International between Afghanistan and South Africa will be played on Wednesday in Sharjah at 2pm.