How Can Afghanistan Qualify for the World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals?

The three-wicket loss to Australia on Tuesday night is going to hurt Afghanistan for ages. They reduced the 5-time World Champions to 91 for 7 while defending their highest-ever ODI total but a couple of dropped chances, of Glenn Maxwell, made them pay a huge price. The Aussie all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 201 in what is now regarded as the greatest innings ever in a successful run-chase.

A victory would have taken Afghanistan closer to a semi-final berth but Australia, perhaps Maxwell didn’t let that happen. His miraculous knock in Mumbai sealed a knock-out spot for Australia with three teams – Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan fighting for the last spot.

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How can Afghanistan qualify for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals?

Prior to the game, the ideal situation for Afghanistan was to win both their remaining games. The defeat at the hands of Australia has left them with no other option than to beat South Africa in their next fixture by a huge margin.

At the same time, they would want the other two teams, Pakistan and New Zealand, lose their last group-stage games. If Pakistan gets beaten by England on Saturday and New Zealand loses to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, it will be a straight qualification for Afghans.

Remaining match for Afghanistan: vs South Africa on November 10 in Ahmedabad.

Remaining match for New Zealand: vs Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bangalore.

Remaining match for Pakistan: vs England on November 11 in Kolkata.

‘Dropped catches cost us’: Afghanistan captain Shahidi

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on Tuesday admitted that two dropped chances by his fielders off Glenn Maxwell denied his team a memorable and sensational victory against five-time World Champions.

“Very disappointed, cricket is a funny game. It was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started really well. The dropped chances hurt us at the end of the day, we missed those moments and after that Maxwell didn’t stop, credit to him,” said Shahidi at the post-match presentation on Tuesday.

“Proud of the team; the team will be disappointed tonight but it’s part of the game. We will try our best to come stronger in our next game against South Africa,” he said.