ODI World Cup 2023: Netherlands vs Afghanistan, 34th ODI - Who Said What?

Afghanistan have managed to register a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Netherlands in Lucknow to boost their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. With the win, they now have eight points to their name and are breathing on the shoulders of New Zealand, who are currently fourth on the points table.

Batting first, the Netherlands started well, but they lost a few wickets quickly, and the team couldn’t recover from it. Four of their batters were run out, which created a new record in ODI cricket. However, they held ends together hard and eventually posted 179 on board after the first innings. When it came to the chase, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatuallah Shahidi once again showed a way for a famous victory.

Runouts galore in Lucknow

Four of the top five Dutch batters were run out, which killed their momentum altogether. Max O’Dowd gave the team a perfect start, but the middle-order batters failed to capitalise, and hence, the Netherlands failed to post a challenging total.

The camaraderie between the oldest and youngest 

Mohammad Nabi, the oldest member of the Afghanistan team, picked up three wickets in the middle, while the youngest one, Noor Ahmad, picked up two wickets. They were brilliant right from the start, and hence, Afghanistan were successful in bundling the Netherlands for 179 runs.

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi getting the job done

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi once again delivered with the bat, and hence, Afghanistan picked another win in the ongoing ODI World Cup. Shah managed to score 52 runs and was extremely disappointed following his dismissal, while Shahidi stuck till the end to register their fourth win in the competition. 

Losing skipper Scott Edwards said:

Definitely not ideal! Four run-outs from our top five batters. We started well but we lost our way. They have top-quality spinners and we couldn't recover. You can't really for the dew. We have done well batting first, a 280 sort of score would have been good even with dew around. We will have to regroup and bring ourselves back for the England game.

Winning skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said:

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. I would like to give a message - there are a lot of refugee people in struggle, we all are watching their videos and we feel their pain. I dedicate this win for them.

POTM Mohammed Nabi said:

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.