ICC Men’s CWC: Afghanistan overcome Netherlands
Sports Reporter :
Afghanistan overcame Netherlands by seven wickets in their seventh match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) at Lucknow in India on Friday.
After yesterday’s outcome, Afghanistan collected eight points from seven matches, while Netherlands remained with four points from as many outings.
Chasing Netherlands’ paltry total of 179 off 46.3 overs, Afghanistan sailed home in 31.3 overs making 181 for the loss of three wickets.
Afghanistan lost their early two wickets for 55 runs.
One-down Rahmat Shah and second-down Hashmatullah Shahidi rescued their team from danger contributing together 74 runs for the third wicket partnership before Rahmat Shah was caught & bowled by Saqib Zulfiqar when Afghanistan’s total was 129 for the loss of three wickets.
Rahmat Shah hit a sparkle 52. His 54-ball innings was laced with eight fours.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and third-down Azmatullah Omarzai guided their team to anchor the victory target scoring together 52 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket partnership.
Shahidi remained unbeaten with 56. His 64-ball captain’s knock was studded with six fours.
Omarzai remained unbeaten with 31. His 28-ball innings had three fours.
Earlier, Netherlands had a poor start as opener Wesley Barresi (1) was trapped leg before wicket by Mujeeb Ur Rahman when Netherlands’ total was just three.
Opener Max O’Dowd and one-down Colin Ackerman repaired the damage putting on together 70 runs in the second wicket stand before Max was run out by Omarzai when Netherlands’ score was 73 for the loss of two wickets.
Max hit a polished 42. His 40-ball innings was decorated with nine fours.
After dismissal of Max, Natherlands’ batters failed to build any notable partnership.
Sybrand Engelbrecht was the day’s most successful batter.
He notched up a marvelous 58. His 86-ball knock was laced with six fours.
Mohammad Nabi captured three wickets at the cost of 28 runs.
He was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Noor Ahmed picked up two wickets instead of 31 runs, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman took one wicket for 40 runs.
