Netherlands vs Afghanistan, Cricket World Cup 2023: Clinical Afghanistan Secure Big Win, Keep Alive Semifinal Hopes

03.11.2023 - 16:27 sports.ndtv.com

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah made well-compiled fifties and veteran Mohammad Nabi produced a stifling spell as Afghanistan continued their dream run in the World Cup, registering a smooth seven-wicket victory over Netherlands to keep their semifinals hopes alive in Lucknow on Friday.

In the battle between two giant-killers of this showpiece, Afghanistan rode on their spinners and brilliant fielding to restrict the Dutch to 179 all out and then chased down the target in 31.3 overs.

The win, their fourth in seven games, swelled Afghanistan's tally to eight points and also lifted them to the fifth spot ahead of Pakistan.

The Afghans, who defeated defending champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in this tournament, however, have two tough matches left against Australia and South Africa and their fate relies on the results of them.

cricket World Cup 2023 cup Semifinal Hashmatullah Shahidi Ibrahim Zadran Netherlands Australia South Africa Sri Lanka Afghanistan Bangladesh Pakistan

Following Afghanistan's five-wicket defeat against South Africa in the 42nd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, head coach Jonathan Trott said that they have set out few things during their World Cup 2023 campaign. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Trott said that they had arrived on the shores. He also praised his side and called them 'ambitious'.

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Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said the future was bright for Afghanistan cricket after a competitive defeat to South Africa on Friday completed a World Cup campaign in which they have exceeded all expectations.

Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table: Afghanistan Out Of Top 4 Race. Pakistan's Position Explained

Afghanistan crashed out of the Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals race after slumping to a five-wicket loss against South Africa on Friday. Afghanistan needed a massive win to stay in the race but the loss means that Pakistan and New Zealand are the two left with a chance of reaching the semifinals. New Zealand have the advantage with 10 points from 9 matches and the Kiwis have the best Net Run Rate (NRR) in comparison to Pakistan and Afghanistan. With 8 points from 8 matches, Pakistan need to win their last league match by 287 runs if they bat first. If they chase, Pakistan will have to win with at least 284 balls -- more than 47 overs -- to spare.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Live Score, Cricket World Cup 2023: Unchanged Afghanistan Opt To Bat vs South Africa

SA vs AFG, Cricket World Cup Live: South Africa look to bounce back from the humbling they suffered against India as they take on Afghanistan in their Cricket World Cup match in Ahmedabad. While the Proteas have already qualified for the semi-finals, Afghanistan need a 438-run win against South Africa to push New Zealand out of fourth place on net run rate, which seems highly unlikely. The Proteas will take on Australia in the second semi-final next Thursday, with India most likely to square against either New Zealand or Pakistan on Wednesday. (Live Scorecard | Points Table)

Afghanistan's Predicted XI vs South Africa, Cricket World Cup 2023: Will Fazalhaq Farooqi Find Himself A Place?

Afghanistan will take on South Africa in their final ICC World Cup 2023 league stage match on Friday, November 10. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host this clash, scheduled to start at 2:00 PM IST. The Asian side has done remarkably well in the ongoing competition, winning and losing four matches apiece. Their four victories came against defending champions England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands. In their previous match, Afghanistan came agonisingly close to pulling off an upset against Australia before going down by three wickets.

South Africa vs Afghanistan, Cricket World Cup 2023: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Weather Report

South Africa and Afghanistan will go head-to-head in their final ICC World Cup 2023 league stage match on Friday, November 10. The fixture will be staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, commencing at 2:00 PM IST. The Proteas became the second team after India to qualify for the semi-finals. They are set to face Australia for a place in the summit clash of the tournament. Ahead of their match against Afghanistan, they have registered six wins and two defeats in eight matches.