In an ODI World Cup clash, Afghanistan displayed their prowess in spin bowling and impeccable ground fielding as they suffocated the Netherlands, who struggled to reach 179 runs in the 47th over. The Dutch side faced a challenging evening in Lucknow, with as many as four of their batters being run out, including Sybrand Engelbrecht (58 off 86) and Max O’Dowd (42 off 40), who were the only ones to show resilience.
The Netherlands’ decision to bat first faced an early setback when Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed the new opener Wesley Barresi in the first over. This wicket marked a significant milestone, as it was Mujeeb’s 100th ODI wicket. Max O’Dowd, however, helped his team recover in partnership with Colin Ackermann. This duo provided the Netherlands with the solid start they had been missing throughout the World Cup, propelling them to 66/1 at the end of the PowerPlay. O’Dowd, in particular, was explosive, single-handedly contributing nine fours during this period, putting Afghanistan on the back foot.
However, a spectacular effort by Azmatullah Omarzai turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor, as his direct hit from fine leg dismissed O’Dowd in the 12th over. Just as Ackermann and Engelbrecht were rebuilding during the middle overs, a misjudged run led to Ackermann’s run-out for 29. The Netherlands’ fortunes continued to decline when their captain, Scott Edwards, attempted a sweep on his first ball, unknowingly wandering out of the crease after under-edging the ball. Wicketkeeper Ikram Ali Khil was exceptionally busy throughout the innings, and he ran out the Netherlands’ captain. The team’s score slipped from 66/1 in 10 overs to 97/4 in 20, and the downward trajectory continued in the subsequent 10 overs.
Nabi removed Bas de Leede, caught behind while attempting to guide a straight delivery down to third man. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ batters struggled to navigate Rashid Khan, and Hashmatullah Shahidi introduced his left-arm counterpart, Noor Ahmad, in the 24th over. Saqib Zulfiqar became Noor’s first victim, nicking one to Ali Khil while trying to cut a delivery outside the off-stump.
Logan van Beek provided some resistance alongside Engelbrecht for five overs, but Nabi returned to break the partnership. Van Beek attempted a big shot, but Nabi’s delivery missed, allowing Ali Khil to dislodge the bails and leave the Netherlands at six down for 134. Engelbrecht battled to reach a gritty half-century but fell victim to another lapse in running between the wickets. Roelof van der Merwe nudged a ball to the leg side and attempted a tight single, only to be run out by Nabi’s accurate throw from midwicket.
The only consolation for the Netherlands was keeping Rashid Khan wicketless, but that couldn’t salvage their situation. In the end, Afghanistan bowled out the Netherlands in the 47th over for just 179 runs, marking the lowest total the Netherlands has posted in an ODI World Cup. A successful chase would elevate Afghanistan to fifth place, moving ahead of Pakistan, and keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
Brief Scores: Netherlands 179 in 46.3 overs (Sybrand Engelbrecht 58, Max O’Dowd 42; Mohammad Nabi 3-28, Noor Ahmad 2-31) vs Afghanistan.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
