‘Semifinal k bina nahin manenge yeh’ – Fans react as Afghanistan registers seven-wicket win against Netherlands in ODI World Cup 2023

In the 34th game of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, two rising teams, Afghanistan and the Netherlands locked horns in Lucknow. Ahead of the game, the Asian side was coming off two back-to-back wins. On the other hand, the European side was coming off an upset against Bangladesh. Both teams were looking to strengthen their chances to reach the semis although the Asian side had more chances.

Meanwhile, in this game, the Dutch won the toss and decided to bat first, backing their ability to defend. Despite losing Wesley Barresi (1) to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, they had a great start as they were 72/1 in 11 overs. However, in the 12th over, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai pulled off a fantastic run out to send back Max O’Dowd (42). This proved to be a turning point in the game.

From 72/1, the team slid to 92/4 with two more runouts coming into play. Even though Sybrand Engelbrecht (58 off 86) scored a fifty, nothing changed for the team. They ended up being bowled out for 179 runs. During the Orange Army’s innings, four runouts took place including Sybrand’s. For the Afghans, former skipper Mohammad Nabi took three wickets while Noor Ahmed took two and Mujeeb took one.

Afghanistan strengthen their semifinal hopes

In reply, the Blue Brigade lost the wickets of their openers with 55 runs on the board. Despite this, the Asian side wasn’t in any panic and was in control of the chase. Rahmat Shah (52) scored his third fifty of the tournament while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten on 56 runs. Both put together 78 runs for the third wicket before Shah was caught and bowled by Saqib Zulfiqar.

Omarzai was unbeaten on 31 and the team won the game by seven wickets and 18.3 overs to spare. With this, they have improved their NRR and the chances of qualifying for their maiden semifinal appearance. They need to win against the likes of Australia and South Africa to ensure a top-four finish.

This is how Twitter reacted

Four wins in the tournament for Afghanistan, having only won one game in World Cup history before this year.

Huge credit to everyone involved, including coach Jonathan Trott who has clearly done a fine job.#bbccricket

— Henry Moeran (@henrymoeranBBC) November 3, 2023

Afghanistan cruised to victory today! This win adds an exciting twist to the points table. Teams will be battling fiercely for their spots now. #CWC23 #NEDVAFG

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 3, 2023

Most successful chases in #CWC2023:

5 – India
3 – Afghanistan#AFGvNED #NEDvsAFG #CWC23 #CWC23INDIA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) November 3, 2023

An effortless win for Afghanistan as they outplay the Netherlands.#CWC23 #NEDVAFG

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) November 3, 2023

Afghanistan’s wins in World Cup history:

– vs Scotland
– vs England
– vs Pakistan
– vs Sri Lanka
– vs Netherlands

They are developing into a proper force 🔥🔥 #CWC23 #NEDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/3iVov86M2J

— M Subhan Ali (@subhantweets_) November 3, 2023

Afghanistan before this World Cup: 1 win in 15 matches
Afghanistan in this World Cup: 4 wins in 7 matches

Afghanistan keep their semifinals hopes alive ❤️❤️ #CWC23 #NEDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/LplMlsEHyd

— Syed Adnan shah (@SyedAdnans38230) November 3, 2023

Another win 🎉👏🏻
It’s born a lot of new Hopes , it’s was a wonderful game , go bule make us proud , all my love and a huge respect to you boys , it’s not enough , it’s time to take more . Go ahead , break a leg 🇦🇫❤️

Congratulations #Afghanistan 🤍#WorldCup2023india #AFGvsNED pic.twitter.com/SekhlL3IQj

— Osman Ghani Naseri 🇦🇫 (@Naseri____7____) November 3, 2023

Afghan Kicked Pakistan in the points table. #AFGvsNED

— Rockz☜ (@Rockz055) November 3, 2023

Well done, Afghans. Play hard for a place in the Semi-Finals.

#NEDvsAFG #Afghanistan #ICCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rvwomyCs5M

— Inder J Gusain (@OfficialInderJ) November 3, 2023

AFGHANISTAN YOU ARE 😍😍😍#AFGvsNED #AfghanAtalan #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/vCLFExPA2H

— Afghan Army barmy (@Afghanbarmy) November 3, 2023