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“It just shows what we’ve got as a side. So we’ve got some amazing players and it’s really devastating for the boys after a tough loss against New Zealand a few days ago and now against South Africa in a tough group,” Trott said. The South African-born former England Test batsman acknowledged that such losses can hurt deeply. “These guys are never afraid to take on the challenges they face throughout their lives on and off the field. “So they should be very proud today and of course these types of losses can sometimes hurt and sting for a while, but I think it’s important that we look at the areas where we did really well but also the areas where we could improve and the things we could have done better.” “I think South Africa played pretty well actually as well. Run-outs, some catches on the boundary, in the ring, things like that. I think they put up a really good fight. Maybe that was a bit of a difference today,” said the Afghanistan head coach. Afghanistan have made significant strides under Trott’s leadership, reaching the semi-finals in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Although he is set to retire after this tournament, Trott refused to dwell on his stint, insisting he will focus on the remaining matches. Trott also reserved special praise for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 84 off 42 balls in the chase of 187 and followed it up with a brilliant 18 off 4 balls in the second Super Over. “These innings, as we saw today, I think he should play more often to be honest with the amount of talent he has, the physicality and athleticism and natural hand-eye coordination. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s quite an animated character. I think the years I’ve been with him now, I’m just trying to get him to be a little more consistent in everything he does.”