Afghanistan notched their third consecutive win the ongoing World Cup 2023 after hammering Netherlands by seven wickets at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow on November 3, Friday. Surrendering to Mohammad Nabi's stellar bowling, Netherlands posted a lowly total of 179 despite Sybrand Engelbrecht fifty. In reply, Shahidi and Rahmat Shah belted impressive half-centuries and overhauled the lowly target with 18.3 overs to spare.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah dedicated team's resounding win to Afghan refugees who have been sent back by Pakistan.
“I would like to give a message - there are a lot of our refugee people in struggle, we all are watching their videos and we feel their pain. I dedicate this win for them,” Hashmatullah said in the post-match presentation.
This statement came in the background of nearly 1.7 million undocumented Afghan refugees being asked to leave Pakistan by November 1. Earlier Zadran also dedicated his Player of the Match to the abandones refugees.
Hashmatullah led from the front and struck his third fifty of the ongoing tournament and belted six fours in his impressive 64-ball 56. The captain was all praise for his team, who now stand a chance to make it to the semifinals, with two more league matches remaining.
“I would say both, we bowled well but the run-chase also. It's the third time we are achieving a target. Especially in this World Cup, we are looking at the target of the opposition. We are playing according to the situation and achieving for the team. (On Mohammad Nabi) He is a special player. Whenever the team needs him, he shows the way. We all are very united, we all are enjoying the wins and all of them are thinking about the team. We are trying our best to make it to the semi-finals. If we make it, it would be a big achievement for us. I lost my mother three months back, so my family is in pain, so it will be a big achievement for our country first and then for me also,” Hashmatullah concluded.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nabi was adjudged the Player of the Match for his splendid spell of 3/28.
“Just focused on my line and length, focused on bowling dot balls. Always try to be consistent with my line and length and use my variations. Always stick to my plans and use the angles. Variations are more variable on some pitches and that’s why I get wickets. I always try to keep it tight and hence bowl with a good economy. Work on my fitness and my diet, still my body is going good and happy to play for Afghanistan,” Nabi said.
Courtsey to this win, Afghanistan surged to fifth in the points table with eight points ahead of Pakistan's six points and behind New Zealand on net run rate. Notably, Afghanistan had won only one game in two previous World Cups, but displaying a stellar show in the ongoing World Cup 2023 they now have four victories in seven games. They have also beaten defending champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan will next face Australia on November 7.
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