During the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi thanked the Indian public for their warmth and support. This followed a strong performance on October 30 at the MCA Stadium in Pune, where Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets. They successfully chased 242 runs, wrapping up the game with 20 balls to spare. Shahidi expressed his gratitude to both the Afghan community and the Indian fans who came out to support the team.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised Indian supporters for their support during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. On Monday, October 30, Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets at the MCA Stadium in Pune. With 7 wickets and 20 balls in hand, Afghanistan chased down 242 runs against former champions Sri Lanka. I want to congratulate all the Afghanistan supporters and especially want to thank the Indian fans for coming out and supporting us, Shahidi said in a statement.
Shahidi praised Rashid Khan as the world's best spinner, highlighting his immense impact on the team. In a landmark 100th ODI for Afghanistan in Pune, Rashid secured the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva. According to Shahidi, Rashid's value goes beyond his skill; his relentless energy and optimistic attitude act as a catalyst, boosting the morale of his teammates during the game.
Afghanistan's bowling attack, spearheaded by Fazalhaq Farooqi's four wickets, dismissed Sri Lanka for 241 runs in 49.3 overs. The batting lineup responded strongly, with Hashmatullah Shahidi (58*), Rahmat Shah (62), and Azmatullah Omarzai (73*) all scoring half-centuries to seal a 7-wicket win. This result has pushed Afghanistan up to fifth in the World Cup standings, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. Notably, the team has become 'giant killers' this tournament, having already beaten three former champions: England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The impressive win against Sri Lanka did more than just bring Afghanistan closer to the semi-finals; it allowed them to leapfrog Pakistan in the standings. By earning two vital points, Afghanistan now has a total of six, placing them above Pakistan, who remain in sixth place with four points. Their superior net run rate also gives them a strategic advantage in the table.
Afghanistan's climb in the rankings proves they are a genuine 'dark horse' capable of shaking up the tournament. As the competition intensifies, the battle for the semi-final spots is becoming more thrilling for fans worldwide. Looking ahead, Afghanistan will prepare for their next encounter against the Netherlands, scheduled for November 3 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.