Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was delighted after they defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Monday. After putting the opposition into bat, Afghanistan was able to bundle out Sri Lanka at 241 runs, which was at least 30 runs short of a par score.
Afghanistan kept picking wickets at regular intervals and didn’t allow any substantial partnership to build. Fazalhaq Farooqi provided an early breakthrough of Dimuth Karunaratne and then Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added 62 runs, which was Sri Lanka’s best alliance.
Farooqi was the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers, registering career-best figures of 4-34 as he accounted for Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, and Maheesh Theekshana.
Furthermore, Mujeeb ur Rahman had figures of 2-38 whereas Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan bagged one wicket apiece to keep the opposition below 250.
Meanwhile, Shahidi also continued his good form with the bat as he scored an unbeaten knock of 58 runs and also added 111 runs with Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored a quickfire knock of 73 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi said in the post-match presentation, “Quite happy and proud of the team. Happy for the way we performed in all 3 departments. Last game 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, “All the coaching and managing staff are working hard and giving us confidence. Jonathan Trottis always positive, before Pakistan game he told me one word and that changed my mindset a lot. As a captain, you should lead from the front and that’s what I am trying to do, I will try to maintain that in the rest of the tournament.”
Shahidi also showered praise on talisman Rashid Khan and tipped him as the best player in the world. The Afghanistan captain also gave gratitude to the Indian fans for supporting them.
Shahidi concluded, “Rashid Khan is a special player and the best player in the world. He is a very energetic guy and always keeps the team very lively. I want to congratulate all the Afghanistan supporters and especially want to thank the Indian fans for coming out and supporting us.”
Afghanistan will next take on the Netherlands at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday.
