Lucknow, November 3 (Language) Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said here on Friday that Afghanistan is preparing itself to reach the World Cup semi-finals and if they are successful in it, it will be a big achievement for the country.
After the brilliant bowling of Mohammad Nabi (three wickets for 28 runs), Afghanistan registered a seven-wicket victory over Netherlands on the basis of half-centuries by Shahidi (56 not out) and Rahmat Shah (52).
With their fourth win in seven matches, Afghanistan has eight points and has moved ahead of Pakistan to fifth place in the table.
“Without a doubt, 100 per cent (on dreaming of reaching the semi-finals),” Shahidi told broadcasters after the match. We are trying our best to reach the semi-finals and if that happens then it will be a big achievement for the country.
He said, “My mother died three months ago. My family is in great sorrow. This (reaching the semi-finals) will be a big achievement for the country as well as my family.
Afghanistan, which has defeated defending champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka so far in the tournament, now faces a tough challenge from Australia and South Africa.
After bowling out Netherlands for 179 runs in 46.3 overs, Afghanistan registered a spectacular win by scoring 181 runs for the loss of three wickets in 31.3 overs.
The captain said that the team is more confident in chasing the target.
He said, “We are doing well in both the departments (batting and bowling). We bowled well but chasing the target was even better. We were successful in doing this for the third consecutive time. ,
“We plan our chase based on the opponent’s score,” Shahidi said.
Shahadi dedicated this victory to the refugees of his country.
“Right now, a lot of refugee people are struggling,” he said. We are watching his videos and we feel sad for him. We are with them in these difficult times and we want to dedicate this victory to all of them.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said his batting unit did not have the precise technique to deal with Afghanistan’s excellent spinners.
“We started well and set the stage for a big score but fell short,” he said. They have spinners with great talent.”
The top seven teams from this World Cup will qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy and the Netherlands have a chance to make it.
The captain said, “We were not thinking about this before this match but now we will have to look into it.”
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