Back to back wins for Afghanistan

Afghanistan registered a 7-wicket win over the Netherlands in the 34th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards won the toss and opted to bat first.

After winning the toss, the Netherlands bowled out 179 runs in 46.3 overs. After the dismissal of Wesley Barresi in the very first over, Max ODowd and Colin Ackermann made a 70-run partnership for the 2nd wicket, and unfortunately, Max ODowd was run out for 42 runs. Colin Ackermann was dismissed for 29 runs. After the dismissal of Ackermann, the Netherlands lost momentum and wickets in regular intervals. Sybrand Engelbrecht was the top scorer with 58 runs. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi claimed three wickets.

In reply to that, Afghanistan chased down the target successfully and scored 181 runs for a loss of 3 wickets in 31.3 overs. Rahmat Shah scored 52 runs, and Ibrahim Zadran scored 20 runs. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 56 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai was well supported with an unbeaten 31 runs.