Table of Contents
In the ongoing high-stakes encounter of Match 34 in the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 between the Netherlands and Afghanistan, a captivating moment unfolded as Netherlands’ skipper, Scott Edwards, faced a dramatic twist of fate at the hands of Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil.
Match setting and team changes
The ongoing game is taking place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Netherlands won the toss and, under Edwards’ captaincy, decided to bat first. Afghanistan, in their quest for victory, made a strategic change by including Noor Ahmad in their lineup, replacing Naveen Ul Haq. Meanwhile, the Netherlands made three notable changes, introducing Wesley Barresi in place of opener Vikramjit Singh. Roelof van der Merwe and Saqib Zulfiqar also secured spots in the playing XI.
Also READ: Nepal and Oman secure qualification for the T20 World Cup 2024
Netherlands’ promising start and sudden collapse
In the 12th over, the Dutch team displayed promise, reaching a score of 73/1. Everything seemed to be going well for them, and an intriguing contest was underway. However, the narrative of the game took an unexpected turn as they lost quick four wickets which reduced them to 97/5.
Scott Edwards falls victim to Ikram Alikhil’s skillful glovework
Edwards encountered a significant turning point in the match when he was dismissed in the form of fourth wicket for a golden duck. His dismissal occurred in the fifth ball of the 19th over, bowled by Mohammad Nabi. Edwards had chosen to attempt a sweep, but the ball didn’t respond as he had anticipated. It took an under-edge and veered off towards the wicketkeeper, Alikhil. Edwards, unaware of the ball’s location, moved down the pitch. This moment of confusion allowed Alikhil to efficiently collect the ball and, in a swift motion, dislodge the bails, sealing Edwards’ departure from the crease. The Dutch team eventually bundled out for 179.
Here’s the video:
