One step at a time, Afghanistan are keeping themselves in the race for the semi-finals.
On Friday, the Afghans continued with their impressive run with a seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (56 not out) and Rahmat Shah (52) made well-compiled fifties after veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi (3/28) produced a stifling spell to give Afghanistan their fourth win of the tournament.
The win swelled Afghanistan’s tally to eight points and also lifted them to the fifth spot ahead of Pakistan.
Asked if the dream was still on, skipper Shahidi said: “Of course, 100 per cent... We are trying our best to make it to the semis and if it happens, it will be a big achievement for the country.
“I lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain. It will be a big achievement (to reach the semi-finals), first of all for the country, but also for my family.”
Man of the Match Mohammad Nabi (right) after dismissing Paul van Meekeren on Friday. PTI photo
The road ahead, however, is treacherous for the battle-hardened Afghans, as they play against Australia and South Africa in their final two round-robin games.
After the Dutch fell for 179, Afghanistan chased down the target in 31.3 overs. Besides Nabi and the other spinners’ fine bowling, the Afghans also benefitted from the Dutch team’s sloppy running between the wickets. Four of their top five batters were
run out.
“We bowled well but the run-chase was good... The third consecutive time that we have chased down a target successfully,” Shahidi said.
The chase was a cakewalk for Afghanistan despite losing both their openers — Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) and Ibrahim Zadran (20) — inside the 11th over. Rahmat’s sparkling form continued as he hit his third consecutive fifty and with skipper Shahidi, he shared 74 runs for the third wicket.
Shahdi dedicated Friday’s win to his struggling countrymen, who have been ravaged by a series of earthquakes.
“Right now, a lot of refugee people are struggling. We are watching their videos and we are sad for them. 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,” he said.
