Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott confirmed that his team was unaware of the net run rate permutations as they failed to qualify for the Super 4s after facing a 2-run defeat against Sri Lanka.
Trott during the post match presentation said, 'we were never communicated the calculations. All we were told was we needed to win in 37.1 overs. We weren't told what the overs in which we could get 295 or 297. That we can win in 38.1- was never communicated to us'
Afghanistan who valiantly fought were unaware that even if they failed to reach the 292-run target in the given 37.1 overs they still had the chance to qualify for the Super 4s.
As per their understanding, by the end of the 37th over Afghanistan who were at 289-8, needed 3 runs off 1 ball to qualify with a better Net run rate than Sri Lanka.
After Mujeeb Ur Rahman lost his wicket, Rashid Khan sank to his knees thinking that his team had lost the chance to qualify for Super 4s, Trott confirmed later.
However, they still had the chance and could have managed to finish ahead of Sri Lanka by chasing down the total in 37.2 overs or by hitting a six by 38.1.
For qualification what they needed--
overs runs
37.2 - 293
37.3 - 294
37.5 - 295
38 - 297
38.1 - 297