Afghanistan secured a convincing seven-wicket win in opposition to the Netherlands in Lucknow, wrapping up the sport with a outstanding 111 balls to spare.This victory marked their fourth win within the event, having beforehand shocked and defeated sturdy groups like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
With two group stage matches remaining, Afghanistan has amassed eight factors. This locations them on par with Australia and New Zealand, though their rivals maintain superior run charges.
India stay unbeaten and have already secured a spot within the semi-finals, whereas South Africa seem like on the verge of becoming a member of them within the subsequent stage of the event.
“A message to our nation again residence. We all know that persons are struggling, we’re with them. I dedicate this win to them,” stated 28-year-old Hashmatullah.
“We’re nonetheless dreaming and we’re nonetheless making an attempt our greatest to make the semi-final. That will be such an enormous achievement for our nation and for me.”
Earlier than this yr, Afghanistan had received just one match at World Cups and that was in opposition to Scotland on their debut in 2015.
4 years in the past, in the UK, they misplaced all 9 video games they performed.
On Friday, set 180 to win, Rahmat Shah (52) hit his third successive half-century whereas Hashmatullah made an undefeated 56, additionally his third fifty in a row.
Veteran off-spinner Mohammad Nabi was man-of-the-match for his 3-28.
“Mohammad Nabi is a particular participant. He’s so gifted and he likes to take accountability with the ball like he did at present,” stated Hashmatullah.
Subsequent up for Afghanistan on Tuesday is a possible grudge match in opposition to five-time champions Australia.
In January, Australia controversially cancelled a collection in opposition to Afghanistan in protest, they claimed, on the Taliban’s therapy of ladies.
“We now have good workforce unity. We’re very united and we’re all the time taking part in for the workforce and profitable for the workforce,” added Hashmatullah.
AFG vs PAK: Afghanistan prime order scripts memorable win in opposition to Pakistan| ICC World Cup 2023
The Netherlands, who’ve shocked South Africa and Bangladesh on the event, had been undone Friday by 4 run-outs.
“The run-outs had been onerous to come back again from, we set ourselves up for an excellent whole. They’ve high quality spinners via the center and we did not have our prime order batters to face them,” stated skipper Scott Edwards.
“We have accomplished nicely batting first, defending scores. We thought if we scored 280 we might be nicely within the recreation.”
(With AFP inputs)
