Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi talked up the impact of the coaching staff on their team’s performances in World Cup 2023, making a special mention of head coach Jonathan Trott. Afghanistan sparked semi-final hopes after comfortably outclassing Sri Lanka at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Monday, October 30.
Hashmatullah Shahidi took pride in the way he came up with an unbeaten 58 in a terrific run chase of 242 against the 1996 world champions as Afghanistan moved to the 5th spot in the World Cup 2023 points table.
Afghanistan, in what has been an incredible run in India, have downed as many as three former champions in England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in their last 4 matches in the tournament. Hashmatullah’s side moved to the 5th spot in the World Cup points table with 6 points, 2 fewer than 4th-placed Australia. Afghanistan were never troubled in their chase of 242 after an all-round bowling effort, led by left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi who picked up 4 wickets. Despite losing their star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 0, Afghanistan gunned down the target in just 45.2 overs after the fifties from Hashmatullah, Azmat Omarzai and Rahmat Shah. Coach Jonathan Trott was proud of the team’s second successful chase as he applauded the effort from the sidelines. The former England batter watched his team in elation as they went on a victory lap at the MCA Stadium, a week after their jubilant celebration at Chepauk after chasing down 283 against Pakistan.
“Coaches are always positive, we worked very hard before the World Cup. Also, right now all coaching and management staff are working hard and giving us confidence,” captain Hashmatullah said.
“Before the Pakistan game, Trott told me one word that changed my mindset.
“As a captain, you should lead from the front foot so I am trying my best, I am very happy that I finished the game and I will try to maintain that in upcoming games,” he added.
Hashmatullah Shahidi was unbeaten on 48 against Pakistan in their terrific chase and was unbeaten on 58 against Sri Lanka on Monday. Rahmat Shah came up with a composed 62 while Amzamatullah Omarzai stole the show with a sensational 73 not out, hitting 6 boundaries and 3 sixes.
With the ball, it was Fazalhaq who shone with 4 wickets, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman chipped in with 2 wickets. Rashid Khan, playing his 100th ODI, kept the pressure and was rewarded with a wicket.
“Quite happy and proud of the team. Happy for the way we performed in all 3 departments. The last game (against Pakistan) gave us lot of confidence and belief that we can chase any kind of target. It was a very professional performance from the bowlers today,” he added.
Afghanistan will next play the Netherlands in Lucknow on November 3 before facing Australia and South Africa in their last two league games.
