"We were never communicated" - Trott on dynamic NRR calculations

Afghanistan were so close yet so far in the last group game of the Asia Cup 2023. Needing to chase down the required target of 292 in 37.1 overs, Afghanistan were well on track and, in their mind, needed three runs off a single delivery at the start of the 38th over. The interesting fact of the matter was that Afghanistan could have scored 293 after 37.2 overs, 294 after 37.3, 295 after 37.5, 296 after 38 overs, or 297 after 38.1 to overtake Sri Lanka on NRR.

After losing the game by two runs, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott stated that they were never really aware of the calculations and “weren't told what the overs” in which they could chase down the total.

"We were never communicated those calculations. All we were communicated was we needed to win in 37.1 overs. We weren't told what the overs in which we could get 295 or 297. 38.1 overs was never communicated to us,” Trott said after the loss to Sri Lanka.

However, he admitted that the lack of awareness around the calculation wasn't the sole reason behind the loss. He understood that there were multiple areas in which Afghanistan could have fared better.

"I don't think there's one reason we lost the game. There are areas of the game we could have done better, and that goes for today's game and the one against Bangladesh. We got some things horribly wrong in a few areas, and it's cost us. It'd be nice if we'd bowled them out a bit cheaper. But it wasn't to be."

Now, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualified for the Super Four from Group B.