"We are trying our best to make it to the semi-finals" - Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan registered a convincing win over the Netherlands by 7 wickets in the 35th Match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Netherlands won the toss and opted to bat first. They managed 179 runs before getting all out. Sybrand Engelbrecht top-scored with 58.

While chasing, Afghanistan got off to a slow start where both openers got out poorly. However, Rahmat Shah (52) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (56*) guided the team to the finish line with ease.

See also: “It’s crucial that we don’t worry about external factors and just look at things we can control” – Rohit Sharma

Who said what after the match?

Hashmatullah Shahidi: 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 our refugee people in struggle, we all are watching their videos and we feel their pain. I dedicate this win for them.

Scott Edwards: 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 plan 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.

Mohammad Nabi, Player of the Match: 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.