ICC Men’s World Cup, Lucknow
Netherlands 179 all out (46.3 overs): Engelbrecht strikes 58 (86); Nabi takes 3-28
Afghanistan 181-3 (31.3 overs): Unbeaten Hashmatullah 56 (64), Rahmat scores 52 (54)
Afghanistan clinches victory by seven wickets
Scorecard and Standings.
In an impressive display of cricket, Afghanistan’s team enhanced their chances for the semi-finals in the World Cup with a commanding seven-wicket victory against the Netherlands in Lucknow.
This win has positioned Afghanistan on par with heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, accumulating eight points each, with only their net run-rate keeping them shy of the coveted top four.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s unwavering 56 not out led Afghanistan to effortlessly chase down the target of 180, with plenty of overs to spare.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, were bowled out for 179 with a little over three overs left in their innings.
Looking forward, Afghanistan is set for a crucial face-off with Australia in Mumbai come Tuesday. Meanwhile, Australia, who are five-time champions, will be up against England on Saturday, holding a match in reserve.
With South Africa’s formidable form to contend with in their final group match, Afghanistan’s path ahead is fraught with challenge.
Pakistan’s still in the fray, with the possibility of reaching eight points should they prevail over New Zealand in the upcoming early match on Saturday.
If New Zealand emerges victorious, it could spell the end for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and England, considering Australia and Afghanistan’s imminent clash ensures one of them reaching at least nine points.
Curious about who needs to punch their ticket to the semi-finals?
Look no further for the World Cup standings, top scorers, and leading wicket-takers.
Afghanistan’s Rise: A World Cup Saga
Afghanistan’s World Cup journey is becoming nothing short of a fairy tale.
Their track record has been less than stellar, with a single win in the previous 50-over World Cup and a clean sweep of losses in 2019. However, this year they’ve turned the tables, securing four victories out of seven matches, including a hat-trick of recent wins.
Despite tough matches ahead and a not-so-favorable net run-rate, the very fact that they’re in semi-final contention is a bold statement of their cricketing strides.
After opting to bat first, the Netherlands managed a solid start but then succumbed to a dramatic collapse, deteriorating from 73-1 to 113-6 post Max O’Dowd’s run out at 42.
Sybrand Engelbrecht waged a lone battle with a gritty 58, but eventually, he too was run out, marking a rare occurrence in men’s international cricket.
Afghanistan’s spin arsenal was led by the skilled Mohammad Nabi, who snagged 3 wickets for 28 runs, while the young Noor Ahmad made his mark with 2 for 31.
In response, Afghanistan’s initial stumbles were quickly steadied as they showcased a commendable chase, similar to their earlier victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Rahmat Shah’s dismissal for 52 did little to hinder the progress, as Hashmatullah paired with Azmatullah Omarzai’s brisk 31 off 28 balls to secure the win for Afghanistan.
The Netherlands, although nearly out of the race with only four points, still have a shot at qualifying for the 2025 Champions Trophy if they can make a top-seven finish, or even eighth if Pakistan stays in the top seven.
Their next challenges are against England in Pune and a final bout with the host nation, India, in Bangalore.
Team Reflections and Match Musings
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, radiates positivity: “Our team is knitted in unity. We stand together, always playing and aiming for victory as one. Our dream of reaching the semi-finals is still very much alive, and achieving that would be monumental for our nation and for me personally.”
Player of the match, Afghanistan’s ace bowler Mohammad Nabi, shared his tactical focus: “My game plan revolves around precise line and length, aiming to build pressure with dot balls. Consistency is key to my game, and I’m glad to see my strategies paying off. I’m continuously working on my fitness and it’s heartening to still be able to contribute significantly to my team.”
On the other end, Netherlands’ captain Scott Edwards acknowledged the setbacks: “The run-outs certainly set us back. We had our eyes set on a competitive total, but Afghanistan’s spinners are of top quality and we missed our frontline batsmen in the middle overs. Now, our focus shifts to the Champions Trophy prospects. We’ll regroup and aim for a strong comeback against England.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Afghanistan Cricket World Cup 2023
How did Afghanistan fare in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands?
Afghanistan secured a commendable seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands in Lucknow, bolstering their semi-final hopes in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. They achieved their target with an impressive 18.3 overs to spare, thanks to Hashmatullah Shahidi’s unbeaten 56 and Rahmat Shah’s pivotal 52 runs.
What was the significance of Afghanistan’s win over the Netherlands?
The win was crucial as it brought Afghanistan’s points tally to eight, leveling with Australia and New Zealand in the points table. However, they remained just outside the top four due to their net run-rate. The victory kept alive Afghanistan’s hopes for a semi-final berth, showcasing their remarkable improvement since their winless campaign in the 2019 World Cup.
Who were the standout players for Afghanistan in the match against the Netherlands?
Mohammad Nabi starred with the ball taking 3-28, and Hashmatullah Shahidi shone with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 56 to guide Afghanistan to victory. Rahmat Shah also contributed significantly with a swift 52.
What challenges lie ahead for Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023?
Afghanistan faces the challenge of going up against Australia in Mumbai and South Africa in their final group match. Both matches are critical, and despite their recent form, Afghanistan is considered an underdog, especially given their net run-rate disadvantage.
Can the Netherlands still qualify for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 semi-finals?
The Netherlands are virtually out of the semi-final race but they can still aim for a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy. They need to finish in the top seven or possibly eighth, provided Pakistan finishes in the top seven, to qualify.
What are the next matches for Afghanistan and the Netherlands in the tournament?
Afghanistan’s next match is against Australia in Mumbai, which is expected to be a highly anticipated encounter. The Netherlands will face England in Pune followed by India in Bangalore, as they conclude their World Cup campaign.
What did Afghanistan’s captain say about their performance and hopes for the semi-finals?
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed great pride in his team’s unity and performance, emphasizing their collective dream and ongoing efforts to reach the semi-finals, which he views as a significant achievement for their country.
More about Afghanistan Cricket World Cup 2023
- Afghanistan’s World Cup Journey
- ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 Standings
- Afghanistan vs Netherlands Match Highlights
- Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Captaincy
- Mohammad Nabi’s Bowling Performance
- World Cup Semi-Finals Prospects
- 2025 Champions Trophy Qualification
- Upcoming Cricket Matches Schedule
8 comments
some interesting stats this match, Engelbrecht’s innings was a silver lining for the dutch, but those run outs, man, gotta feel for them
i bet australia is not gonna take the next game lightly, afghanistan is on fire, this world cup is heating up mates!
this is why i love cricket, you never know which team’s gonna surprise you next, afghanistan’s showing some real skills out there, those spinners are just magic!
its all in the game right, netherlands can still target the champions trophy, just need to get their act together… lets see how they go against england
hashmatullah and nabi are in top form, def ones to watch this tournament, their determination is just on another level
Can’t believe Netherlands let so many run-outs happen. it’s like they were giving away their wickets, not the level of play you’d expect at a world cup tbh
afghanistan keeps the dream alive, always rooting for the underdogs to shake things up, makes the game so much more exciting! but their NRR is still a worry though
wow didn’t expect Afganistan to pull such a performance, their game has really upped since last world cup… Looks like they’re serious contenders now