‘Semifinal khelenge yeh ladke’ – Fans react as Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in ODI World Cup 2023
1996 ODI World winners, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan locked horns at the Gahunje Stadium, Pune. Ahead of this game, the former champions humbled the defending champions, England by eight wickets and 24.2 […]
1996 ODI World winners, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan locked horns at the Gahunje Stadium, Pune. Ahead of this game, the former champions humbled the defending champions, England by eight wickets and 24.2 overs to spare. On the other hand, the Afghans registered history against their immediate neighbors, Pakistan. In this game, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl first.
They had a great start as Fazalhaq Farooqi trapped Dimuth Karunaratne (15). After losing the first wicket for 22 runs, the likes of skipper Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka stitched a partnership of 62 runs. However, both batters played slowly with the former once again not being able to recreate the same magic he did against South Africa and Pakistan. The right-hander managed only 50-ball 39.
None of the batters managed to even get past the 50-run mark. In the end, they were bowled out for 241 runs, a below-par total at the venue. For the Blue Brigade, Afghanistan, while Fazalhaq took four wickets, Mujeeb Ur Rehman took two. On the other hand, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan took one wicket each.
Afghanistan keeps itself in the hunt for the semis
Despite losing the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) in the first over, the team was in the chase. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah put together 73 runs before Dilshan Madushanka took the wicket of the former. Zadran got 39 off 57 balls but failed to get a big score. Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi added another 58 runs. Both batters scored a fifty each with the latter remaining unbeaten on 58.
At 131/3, the likes of Shahid and Omarzai put together an unbeaten 111 runs to take the team home. Shah, Shahidi, and Omazai scored a fifty and each and helped the team win the game by seven wickets and 3.4 overs to spare.
This is how Twitter reacted
AFG used to be fascinating, thrilling, incredible, But are now becoming clinical, organised, consistent. The brilliant & raw individual skills have now found a calming influence and a method ! Pretty sure Trott & Jadeja have played a big role. Top campaign #AFGvsL@ACBofficials
Fabulous once again from Afghanistan. Their batting has gone to a new high in this World Cup. I would like to believe a significant part is due to long form players like Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Delighted for them
Afghanistan is emerging as a promising team in world cricket. In #WorldCup2023, their professionalism, display of talent, team spirit and they are approaching every game with the determination to win, are highly appreciable.
Afghanistan make the most compelling story this World Cup, after beating England and Pakistan,poised to vanquish Sri Lanka. What an extraordinary World Cup campaign! But Will this stupendous performance help in getting them more international matches is the moot question?
The world must learn from Afghanistan. They’ve punched above their weight, and credit to these players who’ve shown maturity and the will to do well for their country.
Shabash @ACBofficials@rashidkhan_19#AFGvsL#ICCCricketWorldCup
What a stunning victory for @ACBofficials 🔥🔥 The growth and maturity of this team over the games is evident. Kudos to @Trotty for his invaluable contribution 👏🏾👏🏾#CWC23#AFGVSL
Wonderful again @ACBofficials , what a cruise of a chase. Really impressive complete performance. Sri Lanka on the other hand have been completely underwhelming. Delighted for my friends in Afghanistan. 👏👏enjoyable days work @5liveSport@bbctms
