Cricket World Cup 2023: “This is just the beginning of something very big”- Netizens heap praise on Afghanistan for memorable campaign after World Cup exit

Afghanistan have won four of the nine group-stage matches and collected eight points.

Cricket World Cup 2023: “This is just the beginning of something very big”- Netizens heap praise on Afghanistan for memorable campaign after World Cup exit

Afghanistan Cricket Team (Image via X)

Afghanistan lost to South Africa in their last group-stage match of the 2023 ODI World Cup by five wickets. After posting 244 on the scoreboard, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side couldn’t restrict South Africa, who scored 247/5 within 48 overs on Friday (November 10) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

After choosing to bat first, batter Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 97 runs and small contributions from other players took them to 244 in their 50 overs. Omarzai played 107 balls to score those runs with seven fours and three sixes. From South Africa’s side, bowler Gerald Coetzee bagged his four-fer.

YouTube video

South Africa again had a great start, because the duo of Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma forged a 64-run stand between them for the first wicket. An unbeaten 76 from Rassie van der Dussen ensured the team reached the target despite a shift of momentum at some point.

And though Afghanistan lost this match, they were praised a lot, especially by the Indian fans for the way they played in this tournament. Afghanistan made upsets by defeating two contenders, England and Pakistan.

[Related_content]Related: Cricket World Cup 2023: “Never go full salmon,” Glenn Maxwell shares pic of him lying on ground after suffering cramps following his carnage against Afghanistan[/Related_content]

Netizens thank Afghanistan for producing a memorable World Cup

To qualify for the semi-finals, Afghanistan had to win the match against South Africa by a huge 400-plus run margin. But the moment they posted 244 on the scoreboard, netizens started flooding X by thanking Afghanistan for playing thrilling matches.

Afghanistan Cricket Team
Afghanistan Cricket Team (Image via X)

Check their reactions here:

https://twitter.com/bessabriyaan/status/1723021923574059221
https://twitter.com/memes_mafiaa/status/1723017460662903175

Afghanistan have won four of the nine group-stage matches and collected eight points. South Africa, on the other hand, have lost just two and are standing second in the points table with 14 points. Only table-toppers India and the Netherlands were able to beat them. They have already qualified for the semifinals.

In case you missed!