Afghanistan hope to reach semis

Lucknow, Nov 3: Afghanistan are backing themselves to reach the World Cup semifinals and if they do end up there, it will be big a achievement for the warn-torn country, said skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi here on Friday.
Shahidi (56 not out) and Rahmat Shah (52) made well-compiled fifties and veteran Mohammad Nabi (3/28) produced a stifling spell as Afghanistan continued their dream run in the showpiece, registering a smooth seven-wicket victory over Netherlands to keep their semifinals hopes alive.The win, their fourth in seven games, swelled Afghanistan’s tally to eight points and also lifted them to the fifth spot ahead of Pakistan.“Of course, 100 per cent. We are trying our best to make it to the semifinal and if it happens, it will be a big achievement for the country,” Shahidi said after the match.“I lost my mother three months ago and my family is in a lot of pain. It will be a big achievement (to reach the semifinal), first of all for the country, but also for my family.” said Shahidi (PTI)