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Netherlands vs Afghanistan, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

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Match 34, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 03 Nov, 2023

Netherlands

NED

179/10

(46.3) ov

Afghanistan

AFG

181/3

(31.3) ov

Afghanistan beat Netherlands by 7 wickets

Player Of The Match

Mohammad Nabi,
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Afghanistan
Netherlands

Afghanistan • 181/3 (31.3 overs)

H Shahidi 56 (64)

R Shah 52 (54)

van Beek 1/30 (7)

van der Merwe 1/27 (5)

Netherlands • 179/10 (46.3 overs)

S Engelbrecht 58 (86)

M O'Dowd 42 (40)

M Nabi 3/28 (9.3)

N Ahmad 2/31 (9)

Commentary

That's it from this game then, action from the World Cup continues. It is a double-header on Saturday, 4th of this month. First, it is Pakistan taking on New Zealand and then, it is Australia taking on England. The first game begins at 10.30 am IST (0500 GMT). The build-up begins a lot earlier. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi says they were excellent in all departments. Adds they are playing according to the game situation. On Mohammad Nabi, he is a special player and steps up whenever the team needs him. Reckons the unity is strong among the players. Mentions they are trying their best to make it to the semi-finals and it will be a big achievement for the team. Ends by dedicating this win to his countrymen.

Scott Edwards says it was hard to set a good total after losing so many batters through run outs. Adds they are good defending totals and a score around 280 would have been good with dew around. Mentions they are now looking forward to the next game.

Mohammad Nabi is the Player of the Match for his wonderful bowling performance. He says he focuses on dot balls and he tries to vary his pace and stick to the basics. Mentions he sticks to his plans and tries to use his angles but he always tries to contain them. Ends by saying he keeps working on his fitness and he wants to continue to play.

...Presentation coming up...

Chasing a below-par total, it was the stand of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi yet again that took Afghanistan over the line. Both are putting their hands up in recent times to get things done. Yet again it was the duo who kept things simple, hit it around and got things done pretty easily. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi scored the fifties respectively to get the fourth win in this tournament. Afghanistan, when things go according to their plan, look really solid and like a compact team. The road to the semi-finals is well and truly on for Afghanistan.

The victory though was set up by their bowlers and fielders. Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat first unsurprisingly. They are doing that well in this tournament but not this time around. It was bad cricket from them in the middle phase. Netherlands got off to a great start and were in a strong position but once Max O'Dowd fell, the gates opened up. Four top-order batters were run out which is just unacceptable. The pressure got big on them and apart from Sybrand Engelbrecht's fifty, no one stepped up.

Three victories in a row for Afghanistan! Three clever chases in a row. The whiteboard tactics are surely working wonders for the Afghan team. They move to fifth position and improve their net run rate as well.

31.34

FOUR! Up and over! There it is, Hashmatullah Shahidi ends it in style! Steps out and drags it from around off, over mid-wicket and it goes to the fence. Afghanistan WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

31.20

On middle, kept out.

31.11

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one more.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 176/3

H Shahidi52 (62)

A Omarzai30 (27)

C Ackermann3-0-12-0

30.60

Slower and around off, this is guided to point.

30.50

Tossed up on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

30.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

30.41

Doing it in singles! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

30.31

Just a biggie away now! On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

30.22

Fifty for Hashmatullah Shahidi! His 19th in ODIs and third in this World Cup. He has played with a lot of responsibility here and would love to stay there till the end. Flatter and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

30.11

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 170/3

A Omarzai28 (25)

H Shahidi49 (58)

A Dutt8-0-44-0

29.61

Goes short, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

29.54

FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up outside off, it is lofted over mid off. This one races away to the fence too.

29.41

Tossed up on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

29.30

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

29.21

Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

29.10

NOT OUT! Azmatullah Omarzai is in! Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but misses. The keeper whips the bails off and appeals. He is in.

A stumping appeal is taken upstairs!

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 163/3

A Omarzai22 (21)

H Shahidi48 (56)

C Ackermann2-0-6-0

28.61

On middle, Azmatullah Omarzai works it through square leg for one.

28.50

Outside off, this is guided to point.

28.41

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

28.30

On the stumps, blocked.

28.20

Flatter and on middle, kept out.

Commentary

We are back. The players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open for Afghanistan. Aryan Dutt to bowl first. A short leg in place, now the player has been moved to mid-wicket.

...THE CHASE...

Right then! Not a big total on the board. This looks like an easy win for Afghanistan but the Dutch bowlers are in red-hot form. They have to bowl really tight in the first 10 overs, 2-3 wickets at the top is what they needed. Stay tuned.

Mohammad Nabi is in for a chat. He says the first 10 overs weren't good but they did well later on and they bowled in the right areas and did really well. Adds he has good experience and he tries to use it.

Afghanistan were coming in four spinners and all of them were tidy with their spells. Mohammad Nabi ended with three while Noor Ahmad came in late to claim two wickets. Afghanistan were on top in the fielding department as well which gave them four wickets.

A clinical performance by the Afghan bowlers. They couldn't have asked for a better performance than this. More than their bowling, it was a poor display of batting from the Dutch. Netherlands love to put runs on the board and it worked their way on the toss. They lost Wesley Barresi but the stand between Max O'Dowd and Colin Ackermann flourished. The seamers though were poor with their line and were put off dearly. However, poor communication and poor cricket saw Afghanistan lose four of their top five wickets through run outs. Very rarely you see it. Wickets kept on falling as the pressure got too big on them and have fallen well below par here.

46.3W

UP GOES THE FINGER! Paul van Meekeren reviews but it is in hope! OUT! THREE REDS! That is the end of it. This lands outside off and spins back in. Paul van Meekeren looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pad. Netherlands are BOWLED OUT FOR 179!

46.21

Angled into the pads, this is nudged on the leg side for a single.

46.10

On middle, Dutt works it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 178/9

van Meekeren4 (23)

A Dutt9 (20)

N Ahmad9-0-31-2

45.60

Yet again, outside off, shorter, Paul van Meekeren looks to cut again but no connection.

45.50

Shorter and outside off, Paul looks to cut but misses.

45.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

45.40

In the line of the stumps, Paul van Meekeren again blocks.

45.30

On off, kept out.

45.20

Flat and well wide of off. Paul van Meekeren looks to reverse sweep but misses.

45.10

Tossed up on middle, defended well.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 177/9

van Meekeren4 (17)

A Dutt9 (20)

M Nabi9-1-27-2

44.61

Paul van Meekeren steps out but yet again Mohammad Nabi shortens the length. He looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

44.51

This lands well short! Aryan Dutt steps out, he yet again does not get to the pitch of it but swings, it lands well short of long off. A run taken.

44.40

Flatter and on middle, defended.

44.31

Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

44.21

This lands safe! Aryan Dutt steps out, he fails to get to the pitch of it but looks to go over long on. It goes more off the top edge and lands safe on the off side. A single taken.

44.10

Tossed up on off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to bowl now.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 173/9

van Meekeren2 (15)

A Dutt7 (16)

N Ahmad8-0-30-2

43.60

Yet another dot to end and just one from this over as well. On off, defended.

43.50

Ambitious appeal! Paul van Meekeren looks to play the reverse sweep again but gets his pad out of the line of off. He misses and gets hit on the pad.

43.40

On the stumps, Paul plays it back to the bowler.

43.30

He had to get bat on that! On middle, Paul van Meekeren looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half to short fine leg.

43.20

Yet again this goes past the outside edge! Flatter and around off, this lands and spins away. Paul van Meekeren is beaten as he tries to defend.

43.11

Shorter and outside off, Aryan Dutt slaps it through covers and takes one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 172/9

van Meekeren2 (10)

A Dutt6 (15)

Ur Rahman10-0-40-1

42.62

On the pads, Paul van Meekeren sweeps it fine on the leg side and takes two.

Afghanistan
Netherlands
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
R Gurbaz

c S Edwards b van Beek

10 11 2 0 90.90
I Zadran

b van der Merwe

20 34 2 0 58.82
R Shah

c & b S Zulfiqar

52 54 8 0 96.29
H Shahidi

not out

56 64 6 0 87.50
A Omarzai

not out

31 28 3 0 110.71
Extras

(b 0,lb 3,w 7,nb 2,Penalty 0)

12
Total 31.3 (RR: 5.75)
181/3

Did not bat: M Nabi, I Alikhil, R Khan, Ur Rahman, N Ahmad, F Farooqi

Fall of wickets:

(R Gurbaz, 5.3 ov) (I Zadran, 10.1 ov) (R Shah, 22.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
A Dutt
8.3 0 49 0 5.76
van Beek
7 0 30 1 4.28
van Meekeren
5 0 35 0 7.00
van der Merwe
5 0 27 1 5.40
S Zulfiqar
3 0 25 1 8.33
C Ackermann
3 0 12 0 4.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
W Barresi

lbw b Ur Rahman

1 4 0 0 25
M O'Dowd

run out (A Omarzai)

42 40 9 0 105
C Ackermann

run out (R Khan / I Alikhil)

29 35 4 0 82.85
S Engelbrecht

run out (M Nabi / I Alikhil)

58 86 6 0 67.44
S Edwards

run out (I Alikhil)

0 1 0 0 0
de Leede

c I Alikhil b M Nabi

3 6 0 0 50
S Zulfiqar

c I Alikhil b N Ahmad

3 15 0 0 20
van Beek

st I Alikhil b M Nabi

2 13 0 0 15.38
van der Merwe

c I Zadran b N Ahmad

11 33 0 0 33.33
A Dutt

not out

10 22 0 0 45.45
van Meekeren

lbw b M Nabi

4 24 0 0 16.66
Extras

(b 0,lb 2,w 14,nb 0,Penalty 0)

16
Total 46.3 (RR: 3.85)
179/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(W Barresi, 0.5 ov) (M O'Dowd, 11.3 ov) (C Ackermann, 18.3 ov) (S Edwards, 18.4 ov) (de Leede, 20.2 ov) (S Zulfiqar, 25.3 ov) (van Beek, 31 ov) (S Engelbrecht, 34.4 ov) (van der Merwe, 41.1 ov) (van Meekeren, 46.3 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
Ur Rahman
10 0 40 1 4.00
F Farooqi
5 0 36 0 7.20
A Omarzai
3 0 11 0 3.66
M Nabi
9.3 1 28 3 2.94
R Khan
10 0 31 0 3.10
N Ahmad
9 0 31 2 3.44
Afghanistan
Netherlands

Commentary

That's it from this game then, action from the World Cup continues. It is a double-header on Saturday, 4th of this month. First, it is Pakistan taking on New Zealand and then, it is Australia taking on England. The first game begins at 10.30 am IST (0500 GMT). The build-up begins a lot earlier. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi says they were excellent in all departments. Adds they are playing according to the game situation. On Mohammad Nabi, he is a special player and steps up whenever the team needs him. Reckons the unity is strong among the players. Mentions they are trying their best to make it to the semi-finals and it will be a big achievement for the team. Ends by dedicating this win to his countrymen.

Scott Edwards says it was hard to set a good total after losing so many batters through run outs. Adds they are good defending totals and a score around 280 would have been good with dew around. Mentions they are now looking forward to the next game.

Mohammad Nabi is the Player of the Match for his wonderful bowling performance. He says he focuses on dot balls and he tries to vary his pace and stick to the basics. Mentions he sticks to his plans and tries to use his angles but he always tries to contain them. Ends by saying he keeps working on his fitness and he wants to continue to play.

...Presentation coming up...

Chasing a below-par total, it was the stand of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi yet again that took Afghanistan over the line. Both are putting their hands up in recent times to get things done. Yet again it was the duo who kept things simple, hit it around and got things done pretty easily. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi scored the fifties respectively to get the fourth win in this tournament. Afghanistan, when things go according to their plan, look really solid and like a compact team. The road to the semi-finals is well and truly on for Afghanistan.

The victory though was set up by their bowlers and fielders. Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat first unsurprisingly. They are doing that well in this tournament but not this time around. It was bad cricket from them in the middle phase. Netherlands got off to a great start and were in a strong position but once Max O'Dowd fell, the gates opened up. Four top-order batters were run out which is just unacceptable. The pressure got big on them and apart from Sybrand Engelbrecht's fifty, no one stepped up.

Three victories in a row for Afghanistan! Three clever chases in a row. The whiteboard tactics are surely working wonders for the Afghan team. They move to fifth position and improve their net run rate as well.

31.34

FOUR! Up and over! There it is, Hashmatullah Shahidi ends it in style! Steps out and drags it from around off, over mid-wicket and it goes to the fence. Afghanistan WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

31.20

On middle, kept out.

31.11

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one more.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 176/3

H Shahidi52 (62)

A Omarzai30 (27)

C Ackermann3-0-12-0

30.60

Slower and around off, this is guided to point.

30.50

Tossed up on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

30.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

30.41

Doing it in singles! On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

30.31

Just a biggie away now! On off, this is pushed through covers for one.

30.22

Fifty for Hashmatullah Shahidi! His 19th in ODIs and third in this World Cup. He has played with a lot of responsibility here and would love to stay there till the end. Flatter and on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

30.11

On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 170/3

A Omarzai28 (25)

H Shahidi49 (58)

A Dutt8-0-44-0

29.61

Goes short, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

29.54

FOUR! Up and over! This is tossed up outside off, it is lofted over mid off. This one races away to the fence too.

29.41

Tossed up on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

29.30

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

29.21

Outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.

29.10

NOT OUT! Azmatullah Omarzai is in! Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but misses. The keeper whips the bails off and appeals. He is in.

A stumping appeal is taken upstairs!

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 163/3

A Omarzai22 (21)

H Shahidi48 (56)

C Ackermann2-0-6-0

28.61

On middle, Azmatullah Omarzai works it through square leg for one.

28.50

Outside off, this is guided to point.

28.41

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one.

28.30

On the stumps, blocked.

28.20

Flatter and on middle, kept out.

28.11

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 160/3

H Shahidi47 (53)

A Omarzai20 (18)

van Meekeren5-0-35-0

27.64

FOUR! Up and over! Afghanistan now in a hurry to end this! Fuller and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi steps out and hits it over mid on.

27.51

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.

27.44

FOUR! Drilled! Fuller and right in the slot. This is hammered down to the long on fence.

27.31

Angled into the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

27.20

Good length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it towards cover.

27.11

Shorter and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 149/3

A Omarzai14 (15)

H Shahidi42 (50)

C Ackermann1-0-3-0

26.61

Angled into the pads. Azmatullah Omarzai works it through mid-wicket for one.

26.50

Shorter and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to cut but is beaten.

26.41

Angled into the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

26.30

Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.

26.20

Flatter and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to mid on.

26.11

Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 146/3

A Omarzai12 (12)

H Shahidi41 (47)

van Meekeren4-0-24-0

25.61

A low full toss on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

25.51

A good slower one, it lands and grips in the surface. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend, it goes off the outer half towards point for one.

25.41

Around off, this is guided down to third man for one.

25.30

Fuller and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to cover.

25.21

Shorter and on the body, this is pulled through square leg for one.

25.10

Fuller and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 142/3

A Omarzai10 (9)

H Shahidi39 (44)

S Zulfiqar3-0-25-1

24.60

On off, this is blocked.

24.50

Around off, this is guided but straight to point.

24.44

FOUR! That is a powerful hit! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past the cover fielder and it races away to the fence.

24.31

Another one tossed up outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi strokes it through covers and takes one.

24.20

Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

24.11

Back of a length and on off, this is pushed wide of cover for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 136/3

H Shahidi38 (42)

A Omarzai5 (5)

van Beek7-0-30-1

23.60

Bangs it short again and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to upper cut it but misses.

23.51

Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

23.41

Back of a length and around off, this is guided past point for one.

23.30

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

23.31wd

WIDE! Way too short. Wided.

23.21

Shorter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

23.12

Two! On the pads, this is worked through square leg for two.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 130/3

A Omarzai1 (2)

H Shahidi37 (39)

S Zulfiqar2-0-19-1

22.61

A single as this is pushed through covers for one.

22.50

Tossed up around off, defended.

22.4W

OUT! TAKEN! That is an easy take! Saqib Zulfiqar has one. Rahmat Shah is disgusted with himself. He falls soon after his half ton! This is tossed up around off, Rahmat Shah just lobs it back to the bowler who takes an easy catch. That probably held into the surface. Soft dismissal. Azmatullah Omarzai walks out to bat now!

22.30

Floats it up on middle, kept out.

22.21

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

22.14

FOUR! Creamed away! This is tossed up outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans into it and caresses it through covers. Another boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 124/2

R Shah52 (52)

H Shahidi32 (37)

van Beek6-0-24-1

21.60

Fuller and on off, this is pushed to cover.

21.50

Shorter and outside off, this is guided to point.

21.41

Fuller and outside off, this is carved past point for one.

21.30

A good short one, Hashmatullah Shahidi evades it.

21.21

Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

21.10

Bangs this short and outside off, Shah looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 122/2

H Shahidi31 (35)

R Shah51 (48)

S Zulfiqar1-0-13-0

20.60

Goes full again and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi hits it hard but finds the man at cover. He makes a good stop diving to his left.

20.51

Fuller and outside off, this is eased through covers for one more.

20.41

Fuller and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

20.34

FOUR! Off the edge. Afghanistan won't mind how they come as long as they do. Outside off, shorter, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

20.24

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! Afghanistan now only need 68. Runs flowing also. They are in a hurry. Steps out and smacks it down the ground for a boundary.

20.23nb

Outside off, tossed up, this guided to pint. Now then, it is a no ball. Free Hit coming up.

20.10

Saqib Zulfiqar now comes on and bowls a tossed up ball on off, it is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 109/2

R Shah50 (47)

H Shahidi20 (29)

van Beek5-0-22-1

19.64

FOUR! That is glorious! That is a wonderful stroke! This is fuller and on middle, it is eased past the fielder at mid on and the ball races away to the fence. Fifty up for Rahmat Shah! Third consecutive fifty for him. He has been brilliant for Afghanistan at that number 3 spot.

19.50

Back of a length and around off, this is guided straight to point.

19.41

Bangs it short again, Hashmatullah Shahidi has no problem in pulling it through mid-wicket for one.

19.30

Goes full again and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi strokes it to the man at cover.

19.22

Fuller and outside off, this is driven nicely through covers. Two taken.

19.11

Logan goes short, Rahmat Shah looks to pull, it goes off the toe-end through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 101/2

H Shahidi17 (26)

R Shah45 (44)

van der Merwe5-0-27-1

18.60

Pushes it through and lands it on off, this is punched to cover.

18.50

On middle, Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

18.41

Another one as this is eased down to long on.

18.34

FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off, Rahmat Shah rocks back and flays it past point. This one races away to the fence.

18.20

On off, defended.

18.11

Flatter and outside off, looking to turn it back in from the rough but this is pushed through covers for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 95/2

H Shahidi16 (23)

R Shah40 (41)

A Dutt7-0-37-0

17.61

Another single to end! Shorter and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it through covers for one. 6 from the over then.

17.51

Shah yet again rocks back and punches it through covers for one.

17.42

Two more! Shorter in length and outside off, this is played wide of cover. Two taken.

17.30

Tossed up on off, defended.

17.21

Shorter and outside off, this is flayed past point for one more.

17.11

Fuller and around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 89/2

R Shah36 (37)

H Shahidi14 (21)

van der Merwe4-0-21-1

16.61

A single as this is pushed through covers.

16.50

This one lands outside off and spins back in. Defended.

16.41

Takes one now as this is played wide of the fielder at cover.

16.32

Two more! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover for two.

16.20

Flatter and on middle, defended.

16.10

That spun back in sharply! This lands outside off and spins back in. Hashmatullah Shahidi guides it to point.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 85/2

R Shah35 (35)

H Shahidi11 (17)

A Dutt6-0-31-0

15.60

Shorter in length and on off, Rahmat Shah pushes it to covers again.

15.50

Floats it up on off, kept out.

15.40

Flatter and on off, Shah pushes it to covers.

15.34

FOUR! Out comes the reverse sweep, this is fuller and outside off, this is dabbed fine on the off side and it races away.

15.21

Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

15.10

Fuller and on middle, this is hit hard but to mid on.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 80/2

R Shah31 (31)

H Shahidi10 (15)

van der Merwe3-0-17-1

14.60

Too full and on off, Shah plays it to Roelof van der Merwe.

14.54

FOUR! A loose ball this! A low full toss on middle, Shah sweeps it past square leg for a boundary. Easy runs.

14.41

Slanting on middle, Shahidi flicks on the up to square leg for a single.

14.31

Flighted, outside off, Shah drives it through covers for a single.

14.21

On the pads, Shahidi plays it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.10

On middle, this is blocked out.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 73/2

R Shah26 (28)

H Shahidi8 (12)

van Meekeren3-0-20-0

13.60

This is full and outside off, Shah drives it to cover.

13.50

Length and outside off, Shah plays it to point.

13.41lb

Leg bye! Lands it on the pads. Shahidi misses his clip and it rolls to fine leg for a single.

13.31

Shorter and outside off, Shah punches it through covers for one more.

13.20

Length and on top of off. Shah defends.

13.10

A length and outside off, defended out.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 71/2

R Shah25 (23)

H Shahidi8 (11)

van der Merwe2-0-10-1

12.61

SHARP SINGLE! Flat and outside off, Shah taps it to point for a single.

12.51

Afghanistan are happy to rotate and kneep it simple. On middle, eased to long on for one.

12.41

Outside off, Shah plays it to deep cover for one more.

12.31

Fuller and on off, Shahidi works it to long on for a single.

12.21

Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for a single.

12.10

Flatter and outside off, Shah strokes it to point.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 66/2

H Shahidi6 (9)

R Shah22 (19)

van Meekeren2-0-19-0

11.60

Outside off, Shahidi drives it to covers.

11.50

Length and on off, Shahidi knocks it to mid off.

11.40

Fuller and outside off, Shahidi drops it to the man at gully.

11.34

FOUR! Hit hard! A bouncer on middle, Shahidi doesn't miss out this time as he pulls it through mid-wicket.

11.20

Well bowled! A widish full toss, outside off. Shahidi just plays it back to Paul van Meekeren.

11.21wd

Wide! A bumper on middle, Shahidi lets it go over his head. Free-hit continues.

11.21nb

A length ball on middle, Shahidi misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal but looked like was pitching outside the line. The siren rings and puts the appeal on the side as no ball is called. Free-hit next.

11.10

On middle, this is blocked out.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 60/2

H Shahidi2 (2)

R Shah22 (19)

van der Merwe1-0-5-1

10.61

Tossed up on middle, nudged to mid-wicket for one more.

10.51

Floats it full and on off, it is driven to long off for one.

10.42

Shorter and on off, Shah knocks it through covers for a couple of runs.

10.30

An arm ball on off, this is punched to cover.

10.21

On the pads, Shahidi turns it to square leg for a single.

Hashmatullah Shahidi is the new man in.

10.1W

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Roelof van der Merwe a gets wicket on his very first ball. Tossed up, outside off, Zadran tries to drive it away from the body but it doesn't spin much and goes off the inside edge and crashes the stumps.

Powerplay 1 done! Now, 4 fielders are allowed outside the circle till the 40th over. Roelof van der Merwe comes to bowl.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 55/1

R Shah19 (16)

I Zadran20 (33)

van Meekeren1-0-13-0

9.60

A dot to end! 13 runs of this one. Outside off, this is dabbed to point.

9.54

FOUR! Gets the width again and pounces on it. Length ball, outside off. Shah with a back foot punch through covers and it races away.

9.44

FOUR! Second one in the over! 50 up as well. Afghanistan going strong. Length ball, wide of off. Shah square drives it past point for a boundary.

9.30

Short again, outside off, Shah taps it to gully.

9.24

EDGED AND FOUR! Skiddy length from Paul van Meekeren, outside off. Shah looks to punch but inside edges it past the leg pole and through fine leg.

9.11

Drops it short and on middle, Zadran pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Change. First change of the innings as Paul van Meekeren is in.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 42/1

R Shah7 (11)

I Zadran19 (32)

A Dutt5-0-26-0

8.60

Tries to use the width as this is touch short. Shah fails to cut.

8.51

On middle, Zadran helps it to square leg for one more.

8.44

FOUR! The outfield remains to be quick. Netherlands have strengthened the off side but Zadran finds the gap. Full and outside off, this is driven through point for four.

8.31

Full and on middle, skids through. Shah turns it to mid-wicket for a quick single.

8.21

Zadran waits for the ball to come and whips it off his pads to square leg for a single.

8.10

On middle, this is hit to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 35/1

R Shah6 (9)

I Zadran13 (28)

van Beek4-0-14-1

7.60

Short in length and outside off, Shah knocks it straight to cover.

7.54

FOUR! Just eases it through. Length ball on middle, Shah punches it straight down the ground and it rolls away past mid on for a boundary.

7.40

This one lands on middle and nips in. Shah tucks it to mid-wicket.

7.30

Still can't find the gap. Length and outside off, Shah punches it to cover.

7.20

Drops it short and on middle, Shah blocks.

7.10

Length ball, outside off, Shah punches but only to covers.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 31/1

I Zadran13 (28)

R Shah2 (3)

A Dutt4-0-19-0

6.60

Just two of the over then! Flat and on off. Zadran punches it to mid off.

6.51

Goes too full and on middle, Shah plays it to square leg for one more.

6.41

Fuller and on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a single.

6.30

Outside off and it turns back in sharply. Zadran turns it to the right of the bowler.

6.20

Slows it up and lands on middle, Zadran nudges it to square leg.

6.10

Fuller delivery on middle, Zadran nudges it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 29/1

R Shah1 (2)

I Zadran12 (23)

van Beek3-0-10-1

5.60

On a length and on middle, this is defended out.

5.51lb

Angling on the pads. Zadran works it to square leg for one.

5.41

Off the mark! Length ball on middle, Shah helps it to mid-wicket for a single.

Rahmat Shah walks out to the middle.

5.3W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! GONE! Shorter and just sliding down. Gurbaz looks to pull but misses. An appeal follows but the umpire signals a wide. Scott Edwards is confident as he hears something and takes it upstairs. UltraEdge indeed shows there was a bit of gloves. Excellent from the skipper. Netherlands have the first one.

5.20

Logan van Beek targets the stumps as he goes full. Gurbaz blocks.

5.10

Length ball, angling on middle, Gurbaz bunts it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 27/0

I Zadran12 (22)

R Gurbaz10 (8)

A Dutt3-0-17-0

4.60

A dot to end the over. Full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran keeps it out.

4.50

Fuller and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to square leg.

4.40

On middle, this is punched to cover.

4.34

FOUR! Hammered away! This is full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran comes down the track and smashes it past diving mid on for a boundary.

4.31wd

Wide! Dutt serves yet again on the pads and it spins down for a wide.

4.20

This one skids off the surface, length and on the pads. Ibrahim Zadran misses his flick.

4.10

Goes full and on middle, Zadran blocks.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 22/0

R Gurbaz10 (8)

I Zadran8 (16)

van Beek2-0-9-0

3.60

Short in length and on off, blocked out.

3.50

Gurbaz uses his feet and tries to hit this downtown but the ball shapes in late and hits him on the pads.

3.41

Fuller and on middle, Zadran turns it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

3.31lb

Leg bye! Shorter and on middle, Gurbaz fends it off the pads to square leg for a single.

3.24

FOUR! Wonderful shot. This is full and on middle, Gurbaz shimmies down the pitch and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.10

A good length delivery, outside off, Gurbaz taps it to point.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 16/0

I Zadran7 (15)

R Gurbaz6 (3)

A Dutt2-0-12-0

2.60

A huge appeal for LBW but just feels like it is going down leg, Full and on middle, it lands and spins. Zadran tries to defend but misses. Scott Edwards and Aryan Dutt have a chat but decide not to review.

2.50

Sliding on middle and leg, Zadran turns but the man at mid-wicket stops it.

2.40

Tossed up on middle, this is pushed to mid on.

2.30

This one lands on off and spins in. Zadran makes a solid front foot defense.

2.31wd

Wide! Way down the leg side, left alone.

2.22

Excellent running. Ibrahim Zadran calls for two and gets two. On middle, this is flicked past square leg for a brace.

2.10

Tossed up on off, Zadran prods and blocks it out.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 13/0

I Zadran5 (9)

R Gurbaz6 (3)

van Beek1-0-4-0

1.61

Length and on off, this is guided to third man for a single.

1.50

Length ball, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran makes a solid block.

1.42

Off the edge! Length ball, outside off, Zadran splices his punch past first slip and to third man who fumbles and allows a couple of runs.

1.30

Length ball on middle, not much shape this time, this is nudged to square leg.

1.31wd

Wide!  Length ball but going down leg, Zaran misses his clip.

1.20

This is full and on off, bit of swing as this moves away. Ibrahim Zadran blocks.

1.10

Pitched up on off, Zadran drives but straight to cover.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Logan van Beek.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 9/0

R Gurbaz6 (3)

I Zadran2 (3)

A Dutt1-0-9-0

0.64

FOUR! Excellent start for Afghanistan! Shorter and outside off, Gurbaz makes room and cuts it through point and finds the first boundary.

0.51

Tossed up on middle, Zadran punches it to long on for a single.

0.41

Another run! Too full and on middle, Gurbaz works  it to mid-wicket for one more.

0.31

Flatter and on middle, Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

0.20

Angling on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to short fine leg. Man at short leg is placed for Zadran.

0.21wd

Wide! Lands on middle and spins down leg, it is left alone.

0.11

Afghanistan are underway! Full and on middle, Gurbaz tucks it to square leg for a single.

Commentary

We are back. The players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open for Afghanistan. Aryan Dutt to bowl first. A short leg in place, now the player has been moved to mid-wicket.

...THE CHASE...

Right then! Not a big total on the board. This looks like an easy win for Afghanistan but the Dutch bowlers are in red-hot form. They have to bowl really tight in the first 10 overs, 2-3 wickets at the top is what they needed. Stay tuned.

Mohammad Nabi is in for a chat. He says the first 10 overs weren't good but they did well later on and they bowled in the right areas and did really well. Adds he has good experience and he tries to use it.

Afghanistan were coming in four spinners and all of them were tidy with their spells. Mohammad Nabi ended with three while Noor Ahmad came in late to claim two wickets. Afghanistan were on top in the fielding department as well which gave them four wickets.

A clinical performance by the Afghan bowlers. They couldn't have asked for a better performance than this. More than their bowling, it was a poor display of batting from the Dutch. Netherlands love to put runs on the board and it worked their way on the toss. They lost Wesley Barresi but the stand between Max O'Dowd and Colin Ackermann flourished. The seamers though were poor with their line and were put off dearly. However, poor communication and poor cricket saw Afghanistan lose four of their top five wickets through run outs. Very rarely you see it. Wickets kept on falling as the pressure got too big on them and have fallen well below par here.

46.3W

UP GOES THE FINGER! Paul van Meekeren reviews but it is in hope! OUT! THREE REDS! That is the end of it. This lands outside off and spins back in. Paul van Meekeren looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pad. Netherlands are BOWLED OUT FOR 179!

46.21

Angled into the pads, this is nudged on the leg side for a single.

46.10

On middle, Dutt works it to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 178/9

van Meekeren4 (23)

A Dutt9 (20)

N Ahmad9-0-31-2

45.60

Yet again, outside off, shorter, Paul van Meekeren looks to cut again but no connection.

45.50

Shorter and outside off, Paul looks to cut but misses.

45.51wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

45.40

In the line of the stumps, Paul van Meekeren again blocks.

45.30

On off, kept out.

45.20

Flat and well wide of off. Paul van Meekeren looks to reverse sweep but misses.

45.10

Tossed up on middle, defended well.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 177/9

van Meekeren4 (17)

A Dutt9 (20)

M Nabi9-1-27-2

44.61

Paul van Meekeren steps out but yet again Mohammad Nabi shortens the length. He looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

44.51

This lands well short! Aryan Dutt steps out, he yet again does not get to the pitch of it but swings, it lands well short of long off. A run taken.

44.40

Flatter and on middle, defended.

44.31

Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.

44.21

This lands safe! Aryan Dutt steps out, he fails to get to the pitch of it but looks to go over long on. It goes more off the top edge and lands safe on the off side. A single taken.

44.10

Tossed up on off, defended.

Mohammad Nabi to bowl now.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 173/9

van Meekeren2 (15)

A Dutt7 (16)

N Ahmad8-0-30-2

43.60

Yet another dot to end and just one from this over as well. On off, defended.

43.50

Ambitious appeal! Paul van Meekeren looks to play the reverse sweep again but gets his pad out of the line of off. He misses and gets hit on the pad.

43.40

On the stumps, Paul plays it back to the bowler.

43.30

He had to get bat on that! On middle, Paul van Meekeren looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half to short fine leg.

43.20

Yet again this goes past the outside edge! Flatter and around off, this lands and spins away. Paul van Meekeren is beaten as he tries to defend.

43.11

Shorter and outside off, Aryan Dutt slaps it through covers and takes one.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 172/9

van Meekeren2 (10)

A Dutt6 (15)

Ur Rahman10-0-40-1

42.62

On the pads, Paul van Meekeren sweeps it fine on the leg side and takes two.

42.50

Looks to innovate, tries to play the reverse sweep but misses.

42.40

Shortish and around off, Paul van Meekeren pushes it to covers.

42.30

BEATEN! This is flatter, it lands on off and then spins away. Paul fails to put bat on ball.

42.20

Around off, Paul pushes it to covers.

42.11

Angled into the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 169/9

van Meekeren0 (5)

A Dutt5 (14)

N Ahmad7-0-29-2

41.60

Swing and a miss again! Shortish and outside off, Paul van Meekeren looks to cut but no connection.

41.50

Full and outside off, Paul van Meekeren looks to squeeze it out but does not connect.

41.40

BEATEN AGAIN! This is flatter and around off, it lands and spins away. Paul van Meekeren looks to defend but is beaten again.

41.30

Wide outside off, not played at.

41.20

BEATEN! The googly, it lands around off and then spins away. Paul van Meekeren looks to defend but is beaten.

41.1W

OUT! TAKEN! Roelof van der Merwe walks back. He was Netherlands hope to take them close to the 200-run mark! The googly again on middle, Roelof van der Merwe looks to play the slog sweep but this goes off the top edge towards mid-wicket. It is taken by Ibrahim Zadran!

Paul van Meekeren is the last man in.

41.11wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Noor Ahmad replaces Rashid Khan then.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 168/8

van der Merwe11 (32)

A Dutt5 (14)

Ur Rahman9-0-37-1

40.61

No maiden then as the last ball is pushed through covers for one.

40.50

Angled into the pads, this is worked to square leg.

40.40

On off, Roelof van der Merwe goes back and blocks it.

40.30

Another dot! Fuller and outside off, this is driven but to covers.

40.20

On off, kept out.

Time for Powerplay 3! Now a maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the end of the innings.

40.10

Flatter and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 167/8

A Dutt5 (14)

van der Merwe10 (26)

R Khan10-0-31-0

39.60

A googly but again it looks like going down. Dutt looks to defend but misses. Rashid Khan is done with the ball, tidy spell from him.

39.50

Tossed up on off. Dutt solidly blocks.

39.41

A googly and it stays very low, around off, Roelof van der Merwe makes room and cuts it to point for one.

39.30

Too full and on off, defended out.

39.31wd

Wide! This one is sprayed down the leg side, left alone.

39.20

This one spins away, shorter and outside off, Roelof van der Merwe misses his cut.

39.11

Flat and on off, punched down to long off for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 164/8

van der Merwe9 (23)

A Dutt4 (11)

Ur Rahman8-0-36-1

38.60

Flat and on middle, Roelof van der Merwe keeps it out.

38.50

Tossed up on middle, Roelof van der Merwe prods and blocks.

38.41

QUICK SINGLE. Fuller and on off, this is pushed to mid off for a single.

38.41wd

Wide! Down the leg side, left alone.

38.30

A huge appeal for LBW but not given. Afghanistan do not have reviews left, just in case you missed out. Flat and on off, skids on. Dutt looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the back pad. That looked much closer. It showed three reds on the replay.

38.20

Full, quicker and on middle, Dutt was rushed to defend there.

38.10

Tossed up on off, kept out.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 162/8

A Dutt3 (7)

van der Merwe9 (21)

R Khan9-0-28-0

37.61

Angling on the pads, it is flicked to square leg for a single.

37.50

Tossed up, outside off, it is driven to cover.

37.40

An appeal but looks like going down again. Full and on middle, was the googly and Dutt fails to defend this one.

37.31

Outside off, Roelof van der Merwe punches it through covers for a single.

37.20

Flat and on off, it is tapped to point.

37.12

Very full and on middle, this is driven down to long on for easy couple.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 158/8

van der Merwe6 (18)

A Dutt2 (4)

Ur Rahman7-0-34-1

36.61

A single to end the over as this is hit to long on.

36.50

This one spins back in sharply, on middle, Roelof van der Merwe blocks well.

36.40

Too full and on middle, it is hit to mid-wicket.

36.30

Quicker on middle, this is defended.

36.22

Tossed up on middle, Roelof van der Merwe heaves it to deep mid-wicket, not off the middle and gets two.

36.11

Full and on middle, this is flicked to square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 154/8

van der Merwe3 (13)

A Dutt1 (3)

R Khan8-0-24-0

35.60

On middle, this is punched to mid-wicket. Two runs of the over.

35.50

Too full and on middle, blocked.

35.40

That looks close. Roelof van der Merwe has taken it upstairs though. Tossed up on middle and leg, a googly. Roelof van der Merwe is late to get his bat across and gets hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. Roelof van der Merwe thinks it is going down and takes it upstairs. No bat. Ball Tracking shows it spins down the leg side. Excellent review. Rashid Khan still waits for his first wicket.

35.30

A googly, full and on middle, Roelof van der Merwe prods to block but misses. More bounce maybe on this one.

35.21

Fuller and on middle, this is played to mid-wicket for a single.

35.11

Tossed up on middle, Van Der Merwe plays it to long on for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 152/8

A Dutt0 (2)

van der Merwe2 (8)

Ur Rahman6-0-30-1

34.60

On off, defended out.

34.50

On middle, blocked out.

34.4W

OUT! RUN OUT! Fourth run out of the game! Yes, fourth! Netherlands have definitely made some kind of unwanted record here. Full and on off. Roelof van der Merwe tucks it to mid-wicket and calls for a single. Not sure why, as it was hit straight to Mohammad Nabi who picks up and throws it to the keeper who finds himself busy again. Light work for him though. Out it is as the replay shows Engelbrecht was short of his crease. Fifty and out for Engelbrecht

Run out appeal and it is taken upstairs. Afghanistan are celebrating.

34.30

Tossed up on off, this is blocked.

34.21

Drops it short and on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.

34.10

Too full and on middle, it is flicked to mid-wicket.

DRINKS! All Afghanistan at the moment! They are all over Netherlands and will want to continue the good work. Netherlands on the other hand, will be hoping to get to a competitive score. A lot will depend on these two. We have seen them bail out of situations earlier in the tournament. Can they do it again? Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back on.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 151/7

S Engelbrecht57 (84)

van der Merwe2 (6)

N Ahmad6-0-28-1

33.61

5 runs off the over. Shorter and outside off, this is hit through covers for one more.

33.52

Flatter and outside off, Engelbrecht cuts it through covers for a couple. 150 up for Netherlands.

33.41

Outside off, this is punched to covers for a single.

33.31

Pushes it wide of off, Engelbrecht plays it to covers for a quick run.

33.20

Too full and on middle, blocked.

33.10

Flat, quicker and wide of off. Engelbrecht looks to cut but misses.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 146/7

van der Merwe1 (5)

S Engelbrecht53 (79)

M Nabi8-1-23-2

32.60

Yet another tidy over from Nabi. On middle, this is blocked out.

32.51

Floated, outside  off, this is stroked through covers for a single.

32.41

On middle, this is hit to long on for a single.

32.30

Fuller and on middle, this is nudged to square leg.

32.21

Tossed up on middle, Engelbrecht works it to long on for a single.

32.10

Fuller and outside off, pushed to mid off.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 143/7

van der Merwe0 (2)

S Engelbrecht51 (76)

N Ahmad5-0-23-1

31.60

Quicker delivery, full and on off, Roelof van der Merwe blocks on the front foot.

31.50

Fuller and outside off, blocked it out.

31.41

Fuller and outside off, this is driven to long off for one.

31.30

Tossed up on off, blocked out.

31.24

FOUR! Overcompensates and spills it down the leg side. Engelbrecht shacks it behind square leg for a boundary. Fifty for Engelbrecht. Hard-earned runs for him.

31.14

FOUR! Engelbrecht moves to 46. Shorter and outside off, Engelbrecht slaps it through point and it races away.

Roelof van der Merwe walks out to bat!

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 134/7

van Beek2 (13)

S Engelbrecht42 (72)

M Nabi7-1-20-2

30.6W

OUT! STUMPED! The keeper is the most busiest man on the ground today. Just like the previous ball, Nabi flights this one with not much pace. Logan van Beek uses his feet to drive but misses it and Ikram Alikhil, the keeper continues to have a good day behind the stumps.

30.50

Slows it up in the air, full and wide of off. Logan van Beek misses his drive.

30.41

Another single in the over as this is hit to long on.

30.30

Tossed up on off, blocked out.

30.24

FOUR! Welcome boundary! Engelbrecht is holding one end very well. Fuller and outside off. Engelbrecht uses his feet and drives it through covers. No chance for Rashid to stop that.

30.10

Fuller and on middle, this is blocked.

Change. Mohammad Nabi is back into the attack.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 129/6

S Engelbrecht37 (68)

van Beek2 (11)

N Ahmad4-0-14-1

29.61

The reverse sweep comes out, it is played past point for one.

29.50

Around off, blocked.

29.41

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed past cover for one.

29.30

On middle, this is nudged to mid-wicket.

29.21

Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for one more.

29.10

Flighted and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 126/6

S Engelbrecht35 (64)

van Beek1 (9)

R Khan7-0-22-0

28.61

On middle, fuller, this is hit down to long on for one.

28.52

Two more! Full and outside off, Sybrand Engelbrecht pushes it through covers and takes two.

28.40

This is floated up on the stumps, defended.

28.30

On the stumps, Sybrand Engelbrecht pushes it to cover again.

28.20

Tossed up on off, Sybrand Engelbrecht pushes it to covers.

28.10

Around off, kept out.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 123/6

S Engelbrecht32 (58)

van Beek1 (9)

N Ahmad3-0-11-1

27.61

DROPPED! That is a sharp chance. That needed to stick. This is another googly, it is shorter. Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge. The first slip fielder reacts quickly and sticks a hand out to his left. It does not stay in. A single taken.

27.54

EDGY FOUR! That goes between slip and the keeper! This is tossed up, it is another googly, Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge, it hits the glove of the keeper and past the slip fielder. Boundary.

27.41

On middle, this is swept through square leg for one.

27.31

Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

27.20

Around off, defended.

27.21wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to sweep but misses. Wided.

27.10

BEATEN! This is tossed up outside off, Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to drive but this turns away and goes past the outside edge.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 115/6

van Beek0 (8)

S Engelbrecht26 (53)

R Khan6-0-19-0

26.60

Just the two from the over. The Dutch going nowhere at the moment. On off, blocked.

26.50

On the stumps, kept out.

26.40

Flatter and around off, Logan van Beek lunges and keeps it out.

26.41wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

26.30

On the stumps, defended.

26.20

Around off, kept out.

26.11

Fuller and on off, this is driven down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 113/6

van Beek0 (3)

S Engelbrecht25 (52)

N Ahmad2-0-3-1

25.60

Around off, this is guided to point.

25.50

From wide of the crease, this lands on off, it is kept out.

25.40

Tossed up around off, kept out.

Logan van Beek comes out to bat.

25.3W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Saqib Zulfiqar falls now. That is not the best of the deliveries bowled by Noor Ahmad but he will take it. Shorter and outside off, well wide outside off. Saqib Zulfiqar looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper. It is more off the bottom edge actually.

25.20

Good nut again! This lands outside off and spins away. Saqib Zulfiqar looks to defend but is beaten.

25.11

Flatter and around off, this is guided past point for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 112/5

S Zulfiqar3 (13)

S Engelbrecht24 (51)

R Khan5-0-17-0

24.60

Flatter and on middle, Saqib Zulfiqar plays it back to the bowler.

24.50

On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket.

24.41

A single as this is hit down to long on.

24.30

Shorter and around off, this is pushed to cover.

24.20

Tossed up on middle, kept out.

24.11

On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 110/5

S Zulfiqar2 (10)

S Engelbrecht23 (48)

N Ahmad1-0-2-0

23.61

Around off, this is pushed through covers for one.

23.50

BEATEN AGAIN! Flatter and around off, it lands and turns away. Saqib Zulfiqar is beaten as he tries to defend.

23.41

Very full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

23.30

An appeal but turned down! Review taken but seems to be going down leg. The bowler did say so, not sure why that is reviewed. NOT OUT! That is going down leg! Poor review to be honest! This is a full toss on the pads, Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. Both reviews done now for Afghanistan!

23.20

Not the best of balls that one! On the pads, full, Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

23.10

Lands it well to begin with! On middle, defended.

Change in bowling. Time for Noor Ahmad now.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 108/5

S Zulfiqar1 (8)

S Engelbrecht22 (44)

M Nabi6-1-15-1

22.60

Tossed up on off, blocked.

22.51

Angled into the pads, this is nudged towards square leg for one.

22.40

Tossed up on middle, slower, this is worked to mid-wicket.

22.30

Steps out but yorks himself, this is jammed back to the bowler.

22.20

Floats it up on off, defended.

22.21wd

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

22.14

FOUR! Very nicely played! Clever! On middle, the paddle scoop comes out, it is played fine on the leg side and it races away to the fence.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 102/5

S Zulfiqar1 (7)

S Engelbrecht17 (39)

R Khan4-0-15-0

21.60

Floats it up on off, kept out.

21.51

Shorter and outside off, this is punched through covers for one more.

21.41

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

21.30

That is a beauty! This lands around off and spins away sharply. Saqib Zulfiqar looks to defend but is beaten.

21.21

On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one. 100 up for the Dutch.

21.12

Edgy runs! Flatter and around off, this lands and turns away. Sybrand Engelbrecht looks to defend, it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for two.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 97/5

S Zulfiqar0 (4)

S Engelbrecht13 (36)

M Nabi5-1-9-1

20.60

Slows it up, lands it on middle, gets it to turn back in, Saqib Zulfiqar looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

20.50

Floats it up on middle, kept out.

20.40

Flatter and on off, this is guided to point. A call of yes but then the batters opt not to run.

20.30

Loopy ball on off, defended.

Saqib Zulfiqar is the new man in.

20.2W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The procession continues. Netherlands are now five down. Bas de Leede falls. This is flatter and outside off, it goes on with the arm. No turn. Bas de Leede looks to push but it takes the outside edge and the keeper hangs on. All of a sudden, Netherlands are in huge, huge trouble.

20.10

Flatter and on off, defended.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 97/4

S Engelbrecht13 (36)

de Leede3 (4)

R Khan3-0-10-0

19.60

Excellent 4-5 overs for Afghanistan and the pressure is piling on the Dutch. On off, Engelbrecht pushes it to cover.

19.61wd

Wide! Spills it down the leg side, it was the googly, wided.

19.51

Full and outside off, this is driven to long off for a single.

19.41

Tad short on middle, Engelbrecht pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

19.30

Too full and around off, Engelbrecht defends.

19.21

Quick single and Bas de Leede is off the mark. Flat and outside off, this is worked to point for a single.

19.10

Tossed up on off, Bas de Leede defends it out.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 93/4

S Engelbrecht12 (33)

de Leede1 (1)

M Nabi4-0-9-0

18.60

Flat and on middle, Engelbrecht blocks.

18.51

On middle, this is hit to square leg for a single.

18.4W

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, dear Netherlands! What a quick turnaround this is from Afghanistan! Flat and outside off, stays low. Scott Edwards tries to sweep but bottom edges it to the right of the keeper. Scott Edwards was completely unaware where the ball was and lost his guard in the process. He gets out of his line and Ikram Alikhil is quick to pick the ball and clip the bails off. Clearly out. Afghanistan are all over the Dutch.

18.3W

OUT! RUN OUT! Second run out in the game and Netherlands will be kicking themselves. This is full and outside off, Engelbrecht drives it to mid off and calls for a single. Colin Ackermann meanwhile is ball watching and was late to rush across. Rashid Khan was aware though, a superb throw at the keeper's end who does the rest.

18.21

Shorter and outside off, Colin Ackermann punches it through point for a single.

18.10

Too full and on the pads, this is flicked to square leg.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 91/2

S Engelbrecht12 (31)

C Ackermann28 (33)

R Khan2-0-6-0

17.60

Floated on off, Engelbrecht prods to defend but plays off the inside half back on the deck.

17.50

Tossed up on middle, Engelbrecht tucks it to mid-wicket.

17.41

Outside off, shorter and this is hit through covers for a single.

17.30

This is full and outside off, skids through. Colin Ackermann plays it very late on the deck.

17.21

Outside off, this is knocked through covers for one more.

17.11

A googly, turning on off, Colin Ackermann punches it to cover. The man there dives to his left and stops well.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 88/2

S Engelbrecht11 (28)

C Ackermann26 (30)

M Nabi3-0-7-0

16.60

Just 4 runs off it. Flat and on middle, Engelbrecht defends.

16.50

Flat and on middle, Engelbrecht turns it to mid-wicket.

16.40

Nabi slows it up and serves it on middle, Engelbrecht plays it back to Nabi.

16.30

No turn on this one. Flat and outside off, blocked out.

16.24

FOUR! Well use of the feet. Fuller and outside off, Engelbrecht skips down and strokes it to the right of mid off and it races to the fence.

16.10

Length and outside off, this is punched to cover.

Drinks! The wicket of Max O'Dowd has pulled Netherlands a bit back. They are still in a really good position and one of these two has to keep things going. Afghanistan are going with 4 spinners so they will look to control this middle phase by using the slowness of the pitch. Mohammad Nabi changes the ends meanwhile...

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 84/2

S Engelbrecht7 (22)

C Ackermann26 (30)

R Khan1-0-3-0

15.61

Tossed up on middle, Engelbrecht tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single. Three runs from Khan's first one.

15.50

A googly but the line is outside off. Engelbrecht keeps it out.

15.40

Too full and outside off, a bit quicker from Rashid Khan and Engelbrecht blocks it out.

15.31

Flat and outside off, Colin Ackermann knocks it to long off for one more.

15.21

Tossed up on middle, this is hit to long on for a single.

15.10

Rashid Khan comes on now. Flatter and around off, Engelbrecht blocks it out. The 10 overs of Rashid Khan will be very crucial in this match.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 81/2

S Engelbrecht5 (17)

C Ackermann25 (29)

A Omarzai3-0-11-0

14.61

Outside off, this is cut away to third man for a single.

14.50

On a length and on middle, Engelbrecht blocks.

14.40

A length ball on off, Engelbrecht punches only to cover.

14.30

Too full and on middle, Engelbrecht tucks it to mid-wicket.

14.21

Shorter and outside off, this is punched to point for a single.

14.11

Too full and outside off, it is driven to deep cover for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 78/2

S Engelbrecht3 (12)

C Ackermann24 (28)

M Nabi2-0-3-0

13.61

This time a single is taken. Full and on middle, it is hit to long on for a single.

13.50

Tossed up on off, Engelbrecht keeps it out.

13.40

Flat and on middle, Engelbrecht bunts it to mid-wicket.

13.30

On middle, Engelbrecht punches it to the right of Nabi who bumps with Colin Ackermann and it rolls to long on. Netherlands do not take the run. Good cricket.

13.20

Engelbrecht looks shaky here. Flat and on middle, it is played to square leg.

13.10

Flighted full and on middle, Engelbrecht comes down the track to flick but mistimes it to point.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 77/2

S Engelbrecht2 (6)

C Ackermann24 (28)

A Omarzai2-0-8-0

12.61

A single to end the over. On middle, Engelbrecht works it behind square leg for a single.

12.50

Pushes it full and outside off, Engelbrecht taps it to point.

12.41

Full and on middle, Colin Ackermann nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

12.31lb

Leg bye! That was a poor review from Afghanistan! Engelbrecht clearly stepped across to play this length ball but misses. Azmatullah Omarzai appeals but that was outside the line seen through the naken eye as well. However, Afghanistan still go up only to burn the review.

Afghanistan have taken a review for LBW. The impact looks outside the line. Yes, well outside off.

12.20

Engelbrecht uses his feel and blocks this length ball back on the deck.

12.10

A length ball on middle, Engelbrecht blocks.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 74/2

C Ackermann23 (27)

S Engelbrecht1 (1)

M Nabi1-0-2-0

11.60

Flat and outside off, skids on. Ackermann prods and defends it to point.

11.50

Tossed up on off, Ackermann defends it out.

11.41

Outside off, this is guided to point for a single.

11.31W

OUT! RUN OUT! Against the run of play, Afghanistan have a wicket and it is the big one of Max O'Dowd who was making all the moves. Full and on off, Max O'Dowd gets across and sweeps it to fine leg. To the right of Azmatullah Omarzai who runs and throws at the keeper's end. Even in his mind, he didn't look for a wicket but hits the stumps and Max O'Dowd despite a big dive fells short. Afghanistan will look to build on it now.

11.20

Tossed up on middle, this is nudged to square leg.

11.10

Flat and outside off, Max O'Dowd punches it to cover.

Mohammad Nabi is on now!

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 72/1

C Ackermann23 (25)

M O'Dowd41 (37)

A Omarzai1-0-6-0

10.60

This is full and on middle, Ackermann plays it back to the bowler.

10.51

Slides it on the pads, Max O'Dowd tucks it behind square leg for a single.

10.40

BEAUTY! A length ball, outside off, it lands and swings away.  Max O'Dowd looks to defend but misses.

10.31

Shorter and outside off, Colin Ackermann dabs it through backward point for a single.

10.20

A length ball on off, nips in. Colin Ackermann blocks.

10.14

FOUR! Change in bowling but no change in plans for Netherlands as they continue to attack. Pitched up on middle, Colin Ackermann drives it straight down to long on for a boundary.

Powerplay 1 done! Now, four fielders are allowed outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Also, Rashid Khan is back on the field so, that is a piece of good news for Afghanistan.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 66/1

M O'Dowd40 (35)

C Ackermann18 (21)

F Farooqi5-0-36-0

9.60

Around off, defended.

9.50

Outside off, left alone.

9.44

FOUR! Pulled away! Nice and fine! Shorter and on the body, Max O'Dowd pulls, it goes down towards fine leg and it races away to the fence.

9.30

Around off, defended.

9.31wd

WIDE! Way too shrt and on middle. Wided.

9.24

FOUR! Off the outside edge! This is shorter and outside off, Max O'Dowd slashes at it, it goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

9.10

Fazalhaq Farooqi continues! This angles into the off pole, Max O'Dowd defends it.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 57/1

M O'Dowd32 (29)

C Ackermann18 (21)

Ur Rahman5-0-29-1

8.61lb

Going down leg! This is angled into the pads. Max O'Dowd looks to flick but misses, it hits the pad and rolls towards short third man. A leg bye taken. The keeper goes excited for a second but it was cut short as no one joined him.

8.50

Drags his length back and lands it on off, defended.

8.44

FOUR! That has been drilled! That is hit so hard. Boundaries continue to come in every over. This is full and outside off, it is drilled through covers. It is probably time for a change in the bowling for Afghanistan.

8.31

A little too straight, this is worked through square leg for one.

8.20

Quicker and on middle, Colin Ackermann pushes it to cover.

8.10

Flatter and on off, Colin Ackermann defends.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 51/1

M O'Dowd28 (26)

C Ackermann17 (18)

F Farooqi4-0-27-0

7.64

FOUR AGAIN! Yet again Fazalhaq Farooqi is quite wayward with his line and length. Goes short and outside off, this is cut past point. He feasts on such deliveries and that is what Afghanistan are providing him. 50 up for Netherlands!

7.50

Angled into the pads, Max O'Dowd works it to square leg. Just has been wayward with his lines and lengths, Fazalhaq Farooqi!

7.40

On a length and around off, Max O'Dowd pushes it to covers.

7.41wd

WIDE! A slower one but does not come out right. It is well wide outside off. Left alone. There again, the ball come out quite slow off the surface.

7.30

Yet again, the slowness off the wicket is visible there. Outside off, on a length, Max O'Dowd looks to drive but gets an underedge on the off side.

7.24

FOUR! That is another boundary! Max O'Dowd now has his highest score for this World Cup. He would look to kick on. This is a fortunate boundary! This is on a length and around off, it lands and then holds its line. Max O'Dowd looks to defend, it goes off the outside edge, through the vacant slip cordon and down to the third man fence.

7.10

Gets away with one there! This is shortish and outside off, Max O'Dowd looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side. Probably there was a little less bounce than Max O'Dowd expected.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 42/1

C Ackermann17 (18)

M O'Dowd20 (20)

Ur Rahman4-0-24-1

6.60

Angled into the pads, Colin Ackermann works it to mid-wicket. 6 from this over as well.

6.54

FOUR! Helped on its way! Just uses the pace of the bowler and yet again a wrongly directed ball. This one is down the leg side. Colin just waits and then plays it down to the fine leg fence. Yet another over with a boundary in it.

6.40

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed to mid on.

6.30

On middle, this is defended.

6.22

Runs coming thick and fast! Angled into the pads, Colin Ackermann works it past mid-wicket. Two taken.

6.10

Goes wide of the crease and angles it into middle, defended.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 36/1

M O'Dowd20 (20)

C Ackermann11 (12)

F Farooqi3-0-18-0

5.60

Better from Fazalhaq Farooqi, this is where he needs to be a lot more. He has offered a lot of width so far but this time bowls it on middle and on a length. Blocked with a straight bat.

5.50

Back of a length and on off, defended by Max O'Dowd.

5.44

FOUR! Dispatched again. Fazalhaq Farooqi is not learning. He goes short again and well wide outside off. Max O'Dowd yet again feasts on the width offered and hammers it through point. Second boundary in the over and 4 in the last two.

5.30

Corrects his line and bowls it on middle, defended.

5.24

FOUR! Width on offer and Max O'Dowd pounces on it. Raining boundaries here. This is short and outside off, with just three men on the off side, it is easy, he slaps it past cover. No chance of stopping that.

5.10

Back of a length and on off, defended.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 28/1

M O'Dowd12 (14)

C Ackermann11 (12)

Ur Rahman3-0-18-1

4.61

A single to end a very productive over for the Dutch! On middle, this is nudged around the corner for one.

4.54

FOUR! Clipped away. Nice and fine. The bad start for the Dutch is now turning into a good one. This is on the pads, Max O'Dowd goes back and then works it fine down the leg side. It races away. The outfield seems a lot faster in this game.

4.41

Angled into the pads, this is nudged around the corner for one.

NOT GREAT NEWS! Rashid is holding his hip in pain as he walks off the field.

4.34

FOUR! SLAPPED AWAY! This is flatter and outside off, Colin Ackermann gets down on one knee and then slaps it through covers. Gets on top of the bounce really well.

4.21

Direct hit and Max O'Dowd would have been short! This is flatter and on off, Max O'Dowd pushes it wide of cover. The fielder, Rashid Khan gets to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

4.10

Max O'Dowd brings out the sweep, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 17/1

C Ackermann6 (10)

M O'Dowd6 (10)

F Farooqi2-0-10-0

3.60

He does, a little too straight however, not the best of balls. Colin Ackermann flicks but finds mid-wicket.

3.50

Good length again and around off, Colin Ackermann pushes it to cover. Good comeback after going for a boundary on the very first ball. He needs to end it well.

3.40

Back of a length and on off, Colin Ackermann stands tall and pushes it to mid off.

3.30

Another from around the wicket, Fazalhaq Farooqi changed this angle at the start of the over as there is no swing. It is on off, defended again.

3.20

Good length and on off, Colin Ackermann defends it. Corrects his line this time.

3.14

FOUR! Clipped away! That is not the best of balls. It is on the pads, easy pickings for Colin Ackermann. He works it fine on the leg side and it races away. Fazalhaq Farooqi has not started all that well.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 13/1

M O'Dowd6 (10)

C Ackermann2 (4)

Ur Rahman2-0-7-1

2.60

A dot to end then! On middle, Max O'Dowd works it to mid-wicket.

2.50

Goes back to attacking the stumps, it is flatter, Max O'Dowd lunges and blocks.

2.53wd

That does not come out right. This was quicker but down the leg side. Well down the leg side. Left alone. The keeper gets a hand to it. Two taken.

2.40

Goes fuller this time, Max O'Dowd strokes it to mid off.

2.30

Almost! The inside edge saves Max O'Dowd there. He, like his opening partner, goes back to one which is fuller. He looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

2.20

Fuller and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

2.11

Slightly shorter and angled into the pads, Colin Ackermann nudges it around the corner for one.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 9/1

C Ackermann1 (3)

M O'Dowd6 (5)

F Farooqi1-0-6-0

1.61

Corrects his line this time and bowls it on the stumps, this is worked wide of mid on for one.

1.50

Another leave as this is yet again angled away from the off pole.

1.41

On the pads, Max O'Dowd works it down to fine leg and takes one.

1.30

Drags his length back now and angles it away from the off pole. Left alone.

1.24

FOUR! That is nicely timed! First boundary of the game. Fazalhaq Farooqi goes full, looking for some swing, there is none, it ends up being a half volley, this is driven down to the long on fence and it races away to the fence.

1.10

Fazalhaq Farooqi who is bowling from the other end starts off with a length ball around off, it is pushed to cover.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 3/1

C Ackermann0 (1)

M O'Dowd1 (1)

Ur Rahman1-0-3-1

0.60

A wicket and three runs from the first over! On middle, tossed up, this is worked to mid-wicket.

0.5W

OUT! RIGHT IN FRONT! That is as plumb as it gets. Mujeeb Ur Rahman strikes in the first over, perfect start for them. Yet another poor start for the Dutch! This is flatter, it lands around off and spins back in. Wesley Barresi goes back and looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. It was probably not the length to go back. It skids through and hits the pad before he can get his bat down. He asks his partner whether he should review it and his partner asks him not to and that is probably the right call.

0.51wd

WIDE! Slips this down the leg side. A lot of drift into the batter. Wided.

0.41

Max O'Dowd now is off the mark as he strokes it down to long on and gets to the other end.

0.31

Netherlands and Wesley Barresi are off the mark! This is shorter and hence, Wesley Barresi has time to go back and push it down to long on for one.

0.20

Straightaway looks to innovate. He brings out the reverse sweep, the length is dragged back a little. Wesley Barresi looks to play it but misses to get hit high on the pads.

0.10

Not sure if Wesley Barresi picked that and that also stayed low. This is tossed up on off, it lands and spins back in. Wesley Barresi looks to defend, it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket.

It is time for the action to begin. We are done with the Anthems. Out walk the Afghan players and they are followed by the Dutch openers, Wesley Barresi and Max O'Dowd! Mujeeb Ur Rahman to begin. Here we go...

Time for the National Anthems! Out walk the players for it. First it will be Afghanistan and then it will be the turn of the Dutch.

Afghanistan (PLAYING XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad (IN FOR Naveen-ul-Haq).

Netherlands (PLAYING XI) - Wesley Barresi, Max O'Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Scott Edwards (WK/C), Bas de Leede, Saqib Zulfiqar (IN FOR Vikramjit Singh), Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe (IN FOR Shariz Ahmad), Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren.

Hashmatullah Shahidi says he would have batted first too. He feels the wicket might take turn. Adds the toss does not matter and they are looking forward to this game. Informs they are going in with four spinners.

Scott Edwards says they want to bat, it has worked well for them and they hope to defend the runs they put on the board. Informs they have one change.

TOSS - Netherlands have won the toss and ELECTED TO BAT!

We say this is going to be an exciting clash because that is the brand of cricket the two have played. They are the giant killers in this World Cup. The Dutch have managed to beat South Africa and Sri Lanka whereas, Afghanistan are well and truly in the race for qualification. However, they will need to win this game, it is not going to be easy because Netherlands have proven to be a challenge for many. The Afghans though are still favourites and especially in Lucknow where the wickets will suit their bowling.

It is time for yet another game from this year's World Cup and it is a clash between two teams which have done exceedingly well so far. Yes, they are 6th and 8th on the points table but they have performed a lot better than one must have expected from them. Afghanistan are taking on Netherlands and this is well and truly an important clash more so for the former. This promises to be an exciting clash. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.

... MATCH DAY ...

Netherlands and Afghanistan will face each other in a must-win match at the Ekanna Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Talking about the Netherlands, it will be a tough challenge for them as they suffered a massive batting collapse against Australia. They did bounce back and won the following game against Bangladesh. As such, the top four of the Netherlands' batting lineup need to find their form and deliver some crucial partnerships. They cannot continue to rely on the lower order to rescue them time and again. Vikramjit Singh and Max O'Dowd must put up a gritty stand here and play out at least the first powerplay to give them a good headstart. The middle order is quite strong, with the likes of Colin Ackerman, skipper Scott Edwards, and Bas de Leede. In their game against Bangladesh, it was their skipper Scott Edwards who played a steady knock of 68 runs when their team was falling apart and made the side reach a par total of 229 runs. Then their bowling unit performed well and bundled the Bangladesh side for 142 runs to register a comfortable victory. Sybrand Engelbrecht is another talent to watch out for, as he has been excellent in the past few games. On the other hand, Afghanistan are having a great World Cup, beating England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their batting has been brilliant so far. After their defeat against the Kiwis, their batters did excellent. While chasing 283 against Pakistan, their openers struck a 130-run partnership. They won the game with 8 wickets to spare. In the very next match against Sri Lanka, Gurbaz was dismissed without scoring, but Rahmat Shah, Shahidi, and Omarzai all scored half-centuries and won the game with seven wickets in their kitty. Their bowling unit has done well, and the team will expect a similar performance from them in this game as well. This pitch in Lucknow has something for the bowlers, and both sides will look to take maximum advantage of it. While Afghanistan may have a slight edge based on their current form, the contest could still be closely fought and go either way.