Afghanistan beat the Netherlands by seven wickets in Lucknow on November 3, 2023, chasing 180 with 111 balls remaining. The win lifted Afghanistan to eight points from seven matches and kept their semi-final hopes alive at that stage of the tournament.
The result was a disciplined all-round performance: Afghanistan’s bowlers restricted the Netherlands to 179, then their top order made the chase comfortable. It was another important step in Afghanistan’s 2023 campaign, as they continued to challenge established teams and move into the semi-final conversation.
Netherlands fall short after being bowled out
The Netherlands were dismissed for 179 in 46.3 overs. Afghanistan kept the scoring under pressure and took wickets often enough to prevent the innings from becoming a larger total. Mohammad Nabi was among the key contributors with the ball, taking three wickets for 28 runs.
Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi guide the chase
Afghanistan’s reply was built around a steady top-order partnership. Rahmat Shah made 52 and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi finished unbeaten on 56, helping the side reach 181 for 3 in only 31.3 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai remained with Shahidi at the finish as Afghanistan completed the target without needing a late scramble.
What the result meant in the 2023 standings
The victory moved Afghanistan to eight points from seven matches and kept the team in contention for a semi-final place. It was not, on its own, confirmation of qualification; Afghanistan still needed other results and their remaining performance to determine whether they could reach the final four.
That distinction matters when looking back at older tournament news. A win can revive a team’s chances without securing a place, and standings can change with subsequent fixtures and net run rate.
Match summary
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
- Netherlands: 179 all out in 46.3 overs.
- Afghanistan: 181/3 in 31.3 overs.
- Result: Afghanistan won by seven wickets with 111 balls remaining.
- Standout performances: Rahmat Shah (52), Hashmatullah Shahidi (56 not out) and Mohammad Nabi (3/28).
Related cricket reading
To understand how net run rate can influence a tournament table, read our guide to calculating Net Run Rate in cricket. For another match from Afghanistan’s impressive 2023 campaign, see Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan—a different match that later became one of the tournament’s most memorable chases.
Official source
- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup: official tournament coverage — match results, scorecards and standings context.
Updated October 26, 2026. The article’s earlier standings note contained an incorrect net run rate sign; that specific value has been removed. Original URL retained.
