In another political statement during the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dedicated the team’s win over the Netherlands to “struggling refugees”. This is the second time Afghanistan has made this declaration during the ICC tournament. Ibrahim Zardan made similar sentiments after beating Pakistan. Afghanistan secured a fourth tournament title by seven wickets with 111 balls to spare after surprising defending winners England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
With two group games left, they have eight points, matching Australia and New Zealand, but their opponents have greater net run rates. Unbeaten India has already qualified for the semi-finals, with South Africa certain to follow. After the triumph, Hashmatullah considered the grave circumstances of Afghan-Pakistani border residents. More than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan in the month since Islamabad ordered 1.7 million to leave or risk arrest and deportation.
Afghanistan captain dedicates win to ‘struggling refugees’
A message to our homeland. We know many refugees struggle. We watch the films and feel sad for them “Hashmatullah, 28. “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.” Hashmatullah revealed private reasons for striving for the last four. “I lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain,” said he.
We are still dreaming and trying to reach the semi-finals. That would be a huge accomplishment for our nation and me.” Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott praised his players for being aware of their country’s many issues. ‘Touch people’ The former England batsman stated, “I think the players are attuned with everything that’s going on back home, whether it’s an earthquake and other things.” They’re probably enjoying the delight they’re bringing to the Afghan people and the smiles they’re giving everyone else in the changing room.
“That’s the great thing about sport and being able to touch people further afield than just here in the stadium or in this country, but back home as well.” Afghanistan’s sole World Cup win was against Scotland in 2015 on their debut. Four years ago, they lost all nine UK games. Rahmat Shah (52) scored his third consecutive half-century and Hashmatullah (56) scored an unbeaten 56 in his third vital innings on Friday, set 180 to win. Veteran off-spinner Mohammad Nabi was man-of-the-match with 3-28.
“Nabi is a unique player
“Nabi is a unique player. So gifted and loves to take responsibility with the ball, as today “Said Hashmatullah. Afghanistan face five-time champions Australia on Tuesday in a possible grudge match. Australia controversially canceled a series against Afghanistan in January, citing Taliban abuse of women. “We work well together.
We are really unified and always play and win for the team “Hashmatullah added. Four run-outs defeated the Netherlands, who surprised South Africa and Bangladesh at the event. The run-outs were tough to overcome, but we put up a nice total. Captain Scott Edwards said they had quality spinners in the middle and we didn’t have top-order hitters. We’re good at batting first and defending scores. 280 seemed like a good score.”
