On a challenging batting pitch, Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat first. During the first over alone, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman got Barresi in front. However, Max Dowd as well as Colin Ackermann batted alongside a positive attitude, balancing the boat for Netherlands with a 50-run stand that kept the scores ticking over.
Just when things appeared to be going well for them, the Dutch drastically changed, losing five wickets while only scoring forty runs. During this time, Netherlands was put in a risky scenario when two of the removals were caught behind, and three of the dismissals were run-outs. The Asian team had an opportunity to end the match right there, however Engelbrecht was dropped twice in quick succession.
Engelbrecht put in a lot of effort and reached over fifty, but the run-out proved to be his undoing. Netherlands was eliminated for 179 when the tailenders failed to provide any resistance. All four of Afghanistan’s spinners were excellent, but Nabi and Noor stood out as they combined for five wickets.
Afghanistan chase down total to secure another victory
In reply, Logan van Beek easily strangled Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s for LBW. Meanwhile Ibrahim Zadran was unable to stop Roelof van der Merwe from knocking him down. Rahmat Shah struck up a stand with Hashmatullah Shahidi, who proved to be the ideal foil right away.
They both continued to score runs quickly, forcing the Netherlands out of the match. Despite their best efforts, the bowlers were unable to take enough wickets to win. The ball struck the bat well in the light, and the dew also contributed to the Afghanistan teams during their good time.
Rahmat Shah scored his third consecutive fifty, however he was unable to lead his team to victory. However, Shahidi rose to the occasion and guided Afghanistan to a resounding win alongside Omarzai. Afghanistan now have a solid chance of taking over the 4th spot provided the results go in their favour. They would be hoping for victories in their remaining games against South Africa and Australia as well.
Fans react as Afghanistan clinch 7-wicket win over Netherlands in ODI World Cup 2023:
AFGHANISTAN HAVE DEFEATED NETHERLANDS…!!! ?? pic.twitter.com/ZXViB4czTt
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 3, 2023
What performance by Afghanistan , take a bow ? #AFGvNED #AFGvsNED #CWC23
Amazing skills by Afghanistan fielders today ? pic.twitter.com/0WrxpT9jOc— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) November 3, 2023
— Mukul (@mukuljakhar07) November 3, 2023
Moving to # 5 on the table for one day. What a tournament they are having
— M@ula (@OfclMaula) November 3, 2023
4th win by Afgans…. surpassed Pakistan in points table…
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) November 3, 2023
What a dominating performance by AFG in this WC. They have not crossed the semi final line till now and more rocks in their ways ahead as they are to face in form AUS and SA team which are not sparing anyone
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) November 3, 2023
Semifinalist if not NZL
— Ayush (@guj_se_hu_mc) November 3, 2023
Dream run continues??? pic.twitter.com/csDV9XqWFQ
— Cricket Freak (@Cricjunction008) November 3, 2023
Congratulations Afghanistan ????????
— Ashish Prajapati?? (@Aash_prajapati) November 3, 2023
India vs Afghanistan in Semis anyone? ? pic.twitter.com/PAOX6Nu9I6
— Farhan Mansuri (@_FarhanMansuri) November 3, 2023
? No Excuses on Pitch, Crowd.
? No Controversies.
? No Blame Games on any Cricket Board.
? No Complaints on Food & Protein.Just playing brilliant Cricket ?
Be like Afghanistan! Keep shining?#AFGvsNED #AFGvNED #AfghanistanCricket #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/rNm5Nvsoqg— Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii) November 3, 2023
