ICC World Cup 2023: Afghans look to keep semis hopes alive

Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan have already emerged as the team of the 2023 World Cup. A side that had a solitary win against Scotland in the previous two editions, have already upset the applecart of three top teams, Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. With six points from six matches, they are sixth in the points table and have their semi-final hopes very much alive as they run into the Netherlands at the Ekana Stadium here today.

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Having played a lot of international cricket over the last six years in India, they are well accustomed to the conditions that some of the other teams like England have found difficult to cope with. Besides, they have wisely roped in former India player Ajay Jadeja as the mentor, and he has been passing on useful tips to the players to deal with the pressure of playing in such a long-drawn, high-profile tournament.

There is no doubt that the Dutch cannot be taken lightly. They have had their share of upset wins, against South Africa and Bangladesh. On their day, they can beat any team and that is what the Afghans will have to be wary of.