Cricket World Cup 2023: Hashmatullah Shahidi Dedicates Afghanistan Victory To 'Struggling Refugees'

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dedicated his team's World Cup victory over the Netherlands on Friday to "struggling refugees" at home and insisted he is still "dreaming" of reaching the semi-finals. Afghanistan swept to a seven-wicket triumph with 111 balls to spare to record a fourth win at the tournament after already shocking defending champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With two group games left, they have eight points, the same as Australia and New Zealand although their rivals boast better net run rates.

Undefeated India have already made sure of a semi-final spot with South Africa almost certain to join them.

After the victory, Hashmatullah turned his thoughts to the desperate plight of compatriots on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

More than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan in the month since Islamabad issued an ultimatum to 1.7 million people to leave or face arrest and deportation.

"A message to our country back home. We know that a lot of refugee people are struggling. We are watching the videos and we are sad for them," said 28-year-old Hashmatullah.

"We are with them in these tough times and I want to dedicate this win to them, who are in pain, and to everyone back home."

Hashmatullah said he also has private reasons to be pushing towards the last-four.

"I lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain," he said.

"We are still dreaming and we are still trying our best to make the semi-final. That would be such a big achievement for our country and for me."

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott said he admired his players for being in touch with the myriad of problems facing their country.

- 'Touch people' -

"I think the players are attuned with everything that's