Afghanistan’s hopes for a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup semifinals were dashed as they were bowled out for 244. The team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, needed an almost insurmountable win of 438 runs to boost their qualification chances but fell short.
Opening with a slender opportunity, Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a promising start by Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keshav Maharaj’s bowling prowess removed both openers in successive overs, leaving Afghanistan in a precarious position.
Like a house of cards, Afghanistan crumbled, but Azmatullah Omarzai’s defiant 97 not-out provided a glimmer of hope. Despite his efforts, the team bowed out of the tournament before the match concluded.
Shahidi’s men, however, can hold their heads high, showcasing stellar performances throughout the tournament with victories over three World Cup winners. Under the guidance of former England captain Jonathan Trott, Afghanistan surprised many with wins, starting with a shocking 69-run triumph over England.
After a rocky start to the 2023 season, Afghanistan entered the World Cup with limited expectations. Their resurgence included a hat-trick of wins against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a close call against Australia. Although Glenn Maxwell’s spectacular 201 off 68 balls thwarted their chances, Afghanistan’s fighting spirit remained commendable.
Despite finishing with eight points, Afghanistan’s journey was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, highlighting the team’s resilience. With only three ODI wins out of 11 initially, the team’s turnaround and spirited performance were noteworthy.
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