WC 2023, AFG vs NED: Afghanistan defeat Netherlands by 7 wickets

Afghanistan cricket team registered their third consecutive win in the World Cup 2023 by beating Netherlands on Friday, November 3. Mohammad Nabi's sensational spell bowled out the Dutch side on just 179 runs and then brilliant fifties from Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah boosted Afghanistan to an easy seven-wicket win.

With four wins in seven games, Afghanistan moved up in the points table to fifth position and boosted their hopes for the semifinal qualification as well. Netherlands still remain in the hunt for the knockout qualification but their chances hampered after a disappointing performance at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Scott Edwards won the toss and elected to bat first with Roelof van der Merwe and Saqib Zulfiqar into the playing eleventh. Afghanistan made one change to their team with Norr Ahmad replacing pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahaman gave Afghanistan a perfect start with Wesley Baressi's big wicket in the first over of the match. Netherlands managed



to make a quick comeback with Max O'Dowd and Colin Ackermann adding 70 runs for the second wicket.

Netherlands lost their next three wickets on run out as Afghanistan made a sensational comeback with spinners dominating the game. Nabi proved his experience again by taking three wickets for 28 while Noor took two for 31 to contribute. Sybrand Engelbrecht top-scored with 58 runs off 84 balls and Max added crucial 42 runs.

While chasing an easy target, Afghanistan lost their star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz on just 10 runs in the sixth over. Ibrahim Zadran's inconsistent form continued as he scored 20 runs before getting bowled out by returning van der Merwe.

But once again Afghanistan managed to make a comeback from their in-form pair of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. The experienced duo added match-defining 74 runs for the third wicket with Rahmat scoring 52 runs. Hashmatullah remained unbeaten on 56 runs and finished the game with a four off Aryan Dutt in the 32nd over.