World Cup 2023: Resilient Afghanistan Beat Netherlands By 7 Wickets To Keep Semis Hopes Alive

Lucknow: Afghanistan’s path to the semifinals continued with a convincing 7-wicket victory over the Netherlands at Ekana Stadium on Friday. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah both notched fifties as Afghanistan successfully chased down a target of 180 runs in just 31.3 overs.

Opting to bat first, the Netherlands had a rather forgettable start, losing as many as three wickets to run-outs and were bundled out for a total of 179 runs. Mohammad Nabi played a crucial role, taking three wickets, while Sybrand Engelbrecht top-scored for the Dutch with 53 runs.

Despite Sybrand Engelbrecht’s resilient half-century, the Netherlands couldn’t post a competitive total, and Afghanistan’s bowlers effectively restricted them. Engelbrecht’s 58 off 86 balls anchored the Netherlands’ innings after a mid-innings collapse that began with Max O’Dowd (42 off 40) and Colin Ackermann (29) sharing a 70-run partnership for the second wicket.

The Netherlands suffered a significant setback as they lost three wickets to run-outs, plummeting from 73 for one to 92 for 5 within 20 overs. The combination of poor running between the wickets and agile fielding from the Afghan team rattled the Dutch side.

Netherlands’ woes continued as they lost wickets rapidly, with wicket-keeper Ikram Alikhil being involved in four dismissals. Alikhil first took a crucial catch off off-spinner Mohammad Nabi to dismiss Bas de Leede and later stumped Logan van Beek off Nabi’s bowling.

The Lucknow pitch’s wear and tear worked in favour of the Afghan spinners, with Nabi (3/28), Noor Ahmad (2/31), and Mujeeb (1/40) delivering effective performances.