Hashmatullah Shahidi Dedicates Afghanistan’s Win Over Netherlands to ‘Struggling Refugees’ – News18

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dedicated his team’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 win over the Netherlands on Friday to “struggling refugees” at home and insisted he is still “dreaming” of reaching the semi-finals.

Afghanistan swept to a seven-wicket triumph with 111 balls to spare to record a fourth win at the tournament after already shocking defending champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

With two group games left, they have eight points, the same as Australia and New Zealand although their rivals boast better net run rates.

Undefeated India have already made sure of a semi-final spot with South Africa almost certain to join them.

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After the victory, Hashmatullah turned his thoughts to the desperate plight of compatriots on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

More than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan in the month since Islamabad issued an ultimatum to 1.7 million people to leave or face arrest and deportation.

“A message to our country back home. We know that a lot of refugee people are struggling. We are watching the videos and we are sad for them,” said 28-year-old Hashmatullah.

“We are with them in these tough times and I want to dedicate this win to them, who are in pain, and to everyone back home.”

Hashmatullah said he also has private reasons to be pushing towards the last four.

“I lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain,” he said.

“We are still dreaming and we are still trying our best to make the semi-final. That would be such a big achievement for our country and for me.”

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In the battle between two giant killers of this showpiece, it was a clinical effort from Afghanistan, which rode on their spinners and brilliant fielding to restrict the Dutch to 179 all out and then chased down the target in 31.3 overs.

The skipper feels chasing brings the best out of his well-knitted outfit.

“I can say both (both batting and bowling pleased). We bowled well but the run-chase is good. Third consecutive time that we have chased down a target successfully,” Shahidi said.

“We are looking at the board and at the target of the opposition team. We are playing accordingly, and we are achieving for our team.”

He also lauded veteran Nabi for his contributions.

“He (Nabi) is a special player. He always shows his talent. Whenever team needs him, he takes responsibility, like he did today. We are all very united at this World Cup. We are enjoying our wins, and all of them are thinking about winning,” Shahidi said.

(With inputs from Agencies)