World Cup 2023: Afghanistan captain especially thanked Indian fans after defeating Sri Lanka

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on Monday thanked the Indian fans after defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets with 28 balls to spare in the 30th match of the World Cup 2023.

In the match played in Pune, Sri Lanka batted first and the entire team was all out for 241 runs in 49.3 overs. In reply, Afghanistan achieved the target by losing three wickets in 45.2 overs. This was Afghanistan's third consecutive win in the tournament and it remains in the race for the semi-finals.

"I want to wish my country all the best and I want to thank the Indian people who are supporting us and coming to the stadium," Shahidi said.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised his star player Rashid Khan and said that he is the best in the world. Rashid Khan played his 100th ODI for Afghanistan and also took the wicket of Dhananjay de Silva.

Rashid Khan is special and the best player in the world. I would like to say one word about Rashid Khan he is energetic. He is full of energy and positivity and fills the boys with enthusiasm and vitality on the field. Makes them full of energy.

Shahidi said that we learned a big lesson from the match against Pakistan. Afghanistan had successfully chased the target of 283 runs against Pakistan. Shahidi said that this match gave us confidence that we were capable of chasing any target. It paid off in full against Sri Lanka.

Our team performed well in all departments. The run chase against Pakistan gave us a lot of confidence. We felt confident that we could pursue any kind of goal. We started well with the bowling and chased the target very professionally. I am very happy with this victory.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi credited his coaching staff and management for the victory. Shahidi said that the coach's words changed his mentality and he was able to perform better than before.

The coach was always positive. We worked hard before the World Cup. At this time all the coaches and management staff are working hard and giving us confidence. The coach's words before the Pakistan match changed my mindset.

As captain, I must lead from the front. I am trying to do my best. I am happy that I was able to finish the match and will try to maintain it in the future.