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.
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.
