ICC World Cup: Dominant Afghanistan wins against Netherlands

LUCKNOW: Afghanistan's impressive World Cup form continues as they secured their fourth victory in seven games by defeating the Netherlands tonight. In a low-scoring match, Afghanistan dominated, clinching a 7-wicket win.

Batting first, the Netherlands lost opener Barresi early, managing only three runs. However, Max ODowd (42) and Ackermann's 70-run partnership steadied their innings. Later, Sybrand (58) impressed with a half-century. But wickets started falling once they departed. Remarkably, there were four run-outs in the Netherlands' innings. They were eventually bowled out for 179 runs in 46.3 overs, with spinners Mohammed Nabi (3/28) and Noor Ahmed (2/21) leading the bowling attack with three and two wickets, respectively.

Afghanistan faced initial setbacks in their chase of the modest total, losing two wickets for 55 runs. However, Rahmat Shah (52) and captain Shahidi's 74-run partnership made the victory look comfortable. Shah reached a half-century before being dismissed, and later, Azmatullah (31*) and Shahidi (56*) finished the game, helping Afghanistan reach 181/3 in just 31.3 overs.

With this win, Afghanistan remains in the semifinal race, while the Netherlands is on the brink of elimination.

Scorecard

• Netherlands: 179/10 (46.3 overs)
• Afghanistan: 181/3 (31.3 overs)