After Afghanistan's 68-run loss to Bangladesh in the second ODI, Afghanistan's head coach Jonathan Trott discussed the team’s performance and their approach to the upcoming decider. With the series now tied 1-1, Monday's final match promises high stakes as both sides aim to clinch victory in Sharjah.

Trott expressed the importance of each game, saying, "You mentioned pressure for the next match, but every game is vital for us. Just because we lost today doesn’t mean tomorrow’s match holds extra importance. Every match in this series counts. The players are eager to give their best in the final."

On late-game conditions, Trott noted that dew was a minor factor but did not excuse Afghanistan’s performance: “Yes, there was some dew at the end. It can make the ball skid, giving batters an advantage, but we simply didn’t bat well. Rahmat Shah was our best performer, but unfortunately, he was run out at a crucial point."

When asked about the competitive rivalry with Bangladesh, Trott expressed admiration for the Tigers: “It’s fantastic to compete against Bangladesh. They have a solid history in international cricket and have made great strides. It’s a good challenge to measure ourselves against them. They have excellent coaching staff and a well-rounded team."

Trott acknowledged room for improvement, particularly in fielding and bowling basics, saying, “Today, we didn’t execute the fundamentals well—our catching, fielding, and even spin options could have been better. We’ve got work to do to turn things around.” He admitted that while previous games had seen strong Afghan performances, this match highlighted areas that need quick improvement.

The pressure now shifts equally to both teams, as Trott laughed, “Both teams will feel the weight since it’s 1-1." The final ODI, set for November 11, will determine the series winner, with both teams eager to seize the opportunity.