AFG vs NED World Cup 2023: On Friday, Afghanistan and the Netherlands will square off at Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Both teams have put up incredible performances in this World Cup.
Afghanistan has defeated England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while the Netherlands has defeated South Africa. Afghanistan has a vested stake in this match because a win over the Netherlands will keep their dreams of reaching the semifinals alive. With their lion-hearted performances, they have outlived labels like minnows’ and ‘giant killers,’ but spirited Afghanistan’s quest to reach the next level begins in earnest on Friday against an equally inspirational Netherlands in a World Cup match at Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Starting as favorites on a tricky Ekana Stadium surface, Afghanistan (6 points) will look to not only secure two points against the Dutch (4 points), but also to win big and improve the net run-rate in order to remain relevant in the race to the semi-finals. The manner in which Afghanistan’s top-order batted to outclass nations like Pakistan and Sri Lanka demonstrated that the triumph against defending champion England was no fluke.
Ashes-winning English batter Jonathon Trott was a tough customer during his playing days, and he has instilled the same tenacity in his charges, who have turned heads with their meticulous approach and commendable persistence. Afghans will hope that the rub of the green falls their way, starting with the Dutch test, just like Kenya did with a bit of luck in the 2003 World Cup.
Following this game, they will face Australia (November 7) and South Africa (November 10) in what will determine whether they have what it takes to go to the World Cup semifinals. Everything comes crashing down with one defeat. The ‘Orange Army’ has also been a surprise package this World Cup, claiming upset victories over South Africa and Bangladesh.
It has propelled them ahead of Bangladesh and bottom-ranked England in the 10-team standings, keeping their slim semifinal qualifying chances alive, but even their most ardent supporters recognize that making it to the final four would be a miracle. Pakistan and Afghanistan, both with six points, are two more teams outside the top four that are very much in contention for a last-four spot.
However, with a significantly worse net run-rate (-0.718) than Pakistan (-0.024), the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team will have a lot of catching up to do. Their bowling has always been their strength, but their biggest turnaround this time has been their batting, which has clicked as a collective unit, as seen by brilliant chases of 283 (vs. Pakistan) and 242 (vs. Sri Lanka) in their previous two outings.
While Hashmatullah Shahidi (226) and Azmatullah Omarzai (203) have the rock in the center, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (224), Rahmat Shah (212), Ibrahim Zardan (212), and Ikram Akhil (77 in 2 games) have also taken up significant duty.
Only a hundred runs have eluded an Afghan hitter, and Jonathan Trott will be hoping that one of them converts their starts. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, for example, will be enticed to bowl at the Ekana stadium, which is famed for its sluggish conditions. Teams batting second have won nine of the Ekana’s 12 ODIs, including two in the World Cup. During their final encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Edwards-led Netherlands bowled out Bangladesh for 142 to secure yet another World Cup upset.
With two fifties to his record, captain Edwards will continue to be their batting backbone, alongside veteran Sybrand Engelbrecht, Colin Ackermann, and Logan van Beek, the team’s designated finisher. Van Beek’s cameo of 23 not out from 16 balls pushed their total above 200, which proved useful against a struggling Bangladesh in Kolkata.
Van Beek is also known for making breakthroughs in the middle, hoping to stymie Afghan progress with his creative tweaks.They currently have the same number of points as Sri Lanka. However, the Netherlands’ NRR is substantially lower, and they must win against Afghanistan, England (November 8) and India (November 11) to keep their hopes alive.
Key Players
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan)
At this World Cup, Hashmatullah Shahidi is Afghanistan’s leading run scorer. Afghanistan’s skipper has 226 runs at an average of 56.50. In a two-run chase, Shahidi had two fifties. He is ensuring that Afghanistan does not lose wickets during the middle phase. If Afghanistan pursues the Netherlands, Shahidi will be crucial once more.
Scott Edwards (Netherlands)
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards continues to make vital cameos lower down the line. If the Netherlands lose early wickets, Edwards’ toughness will come to the team’s rescue.
Where to watch
The match begins at 2:00 p.m. The Star Sports network will broadcast the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Disney+Hotstar app allows online spectators to watch the action.
Frequently asked questions
AFG vs NED head-to-head?
The Netherlands and Afghanistan have played nine one-day internationals (ODIs). Afghanistan has only won two matches, while the Netherlands has won seven.
How many matches will India play in World Cup 2023?
How many games will India play in the 2023 ICC World Cup? India will compete in nine matches across nine venues during the big event, which runs from October 5 to October 19.
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Also Read: IND Vs SL Cricket World Cup 2023: Head-To-Head Record, Venue, Playing 11, Pitch Report And More
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