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Afghanistan have been on a World Champions-beating spree in the ongoing World Cup 2023. On October 30, Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan outclassed 1996 World Champions Sri Lanka in all departments in the game to win by seven wickets. Head coach Jonathan Trott has been a major reason behind Afghanistan’s three wins that have helped them rise to the fifth spot in the points table. After guiding Afghanistan to a commanding win over Kusal Mendis’ Sri Lanka, Shahidi revealed that Trott told him only one word before the historic clash against Babar Azam-led Pakistan.
“All the coaching and managing staff are working hard and giving us confidence. Especially Jonathan he is always positive, before Pakistan game he told me one word and that changed my mindset a lot. As a captain you should lead from the front and that's what I am trying to do, I will try to maintain that in the rest of the tournament,” Shahidi said in the post-match presentation.
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After Fazalhaq Farooqi's four-fer, half-centuries from Rahmat Shah, Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai helped Afghanistan chase down the target of 242 with 28 balls to spare. Shahidi lauded his side for an amazing display in Pune as he said, “Quite happy and proud of the team. Happy for the way we performed in all 3 departments. Last game gave us lot of confidence and belief that we can chase any kind of target. It was a very professional performance from the bowlers today.”
Shahidi also lauded former Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan who made his 100th ODI appearance. Rashid picked up the crucial wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva.
“Rashid Khan is a special player and the best player in the world. He is a very energetic guy and always keeps the team very lively. I want to congratulate all the Afghanistan supporters and especially want to thank the Indian fans for coming out and supporting us,” the 28-year-old said.
Shahidi led the team front the front in the run chase. He remained unbeaten for 58 off 74 deliveries. He shared an unbeaten 111-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai.
Afghanistan will now face the Netherlands in Lucknow on November 3. The Netherlands are high on confidence after beating Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
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