NED vs AFG: Hashmatullah Shahidi Dedicates Win Over Netherlands To Afghan Refugees Being Forced To Leave Pakistan

The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team hammered the Scott Edwards-led Netherlands National Cricket Team in the 34th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, November 3.

The Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat first in the match. They displayed an extremely poor performance as after being at 92/2 at one stage they faced a shocking collapse and got bundled out for 179.

Chasing the small target, Hashmatullah Shahidi (56) and Rahmat Shah (52) hit brilliant half-centuries to complete the run-chase. Afghanistan won the match by 7 wickets with 111 balls remaining.

Speaking after the match, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan said that he was equally satisfied with the performances of bowlers and batters. He said:

“(What pleased him more between their batting and bowling performance) I can say both. We bowled well but the run-chase is good. Third consecutive time that we have chased down a target successfully.”

I want to dedicate this win to them, who are in pain, and to everyone back home – Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi added that they are still aiming to qualify for the semi-finals and said that it will be a very big achievement for Afghanistan. He further dedicated the win to the Afghan refugees, who are being forced to leave Pakistan.

“(On dreaming about the semi-final) Of course, 100% We are trying our best to make it to the semi final and if it happens, it will be a big achievement for the country. Lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain, it will be a big achievement (to reach the semi-final), first of all for the country, but also for my family.

“(Message to the people back home) Right now, a lot of refugee people are struggling. We are watching their videos and we are sad for them. 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.”

Reportedly, 600,000 Afghans fled to Pakistan since the Taliban’s ascension to power in 2021. Recently the Pakistani government ordered the Afghan refugees to go back home and threatened to arrest them, setting November 1 as the deadline for undocumented Afghan refugees to leave the country.

Meanwhile, Hashmatullah Shahidi further lauded Mohammad Nabi, who won the Player of the Match award, saying that he is a special player.

“(Run-chases and why it brings out the best in them) 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,” Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

“(On Nabi) He is a special player. He always shows his talent. Whenever the 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 aboutwinning.”