Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott believes the "sky's the limit" for his young stars after they beat mighty Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup in India.
First, 18-year-old leg-spinner Noor Ahmad took three for 49 on his World Cup debut in Chennai, including Pakistan captain Babar Azam and master run-getter Mohammad Rizwan. Then 21-year-old opening batsmen Ibrahim Zadran, with 87, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hit 65, piled up 130 for the first wicket to set the platform for a stunning eight-wicket victory.
"The two opening batters are very exceptionally talented young players and the sky's the limit for both of them," said former England batsman Trott.
"My message to them is just keep growing and play your own way. We saw how much pressure they can put on opposition world-class bowlers as well."
Gurbaz is just 14 days older than Zadran and has already made five centuries and four half-centuries in his 31-match ODI career. He made a crucial 80 in the earlier victory over defending champions England at the World Cup.
Zadran has four hundreds and five fifties in 24 games with an average of just under 50.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor had an ODI debut to remember when he claimed four for 10 against Zimbabwe last year when he was just 17.
"When he's practicing, you hear that ball fizzing," Trott said. "It's a real talent for such a young lad to be able to get that many revs on the ball and spin it the amount he does."
Rahmanullah Gurbaz , left, and Ibrahim Zadram piled up 130 for the first wicket. AFP
Noor Ahmad removed both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. AFP
