IANS
Chennai: In a stunning upset at the Cricket World Cup 2023, Afghanistan emerged victorious against Pakistan, defeating them by eight wickets in a thrilling match held in Chennai on Monday.
This remarkable victory showcased Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess as they successfully chased down a target of 283 with six balls to spare.
The Afghan cricket team’s openers, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, played pivotal roles in setting up this historic win. Zadran, displaying remarkable resilience, scored 87 runs off 113 balls, anchoring the innings. Gurbaz, on the other hand, played aggressively, contributing 65 runs off 53 balls. Their partnership laid the foundation for the triumphant chase.
Rahmat Shah and the Afghan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, carried on the momentum, with Shah scoring an impressive 77 not out and Shahidi contributing 48 not out, ensuring their team reached the target comfortably.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted a competitive total of 282 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Captain Babar Azam led the charge for Pakistan, top-scoring with 74 runs off 92 deliveries. Opener Abdullah Shafique also made a significant contribution, notching 58 runs, while Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed provided valuable runs with 40 each down the order.
The Afghan bowlers put up a strong performance, with Noor Ahmad emerging as the most successful bowler, securing figures of 3/49. Naveen-ul-Haq also played a crucial role, claiming 2/52 and contributing to the team’s successful defence.
This victory marks Afghanistan’s second upset in the Cricket World Cup 2023, following their earlier win against a formidable opponent, showcasing their growing prowess in the world of cricket. The Afghan team’s remarkable performance against Pakistan has left fans and experts alike astonished and eagerly anticipating their upcoming matches in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s exceptional display of cricketing talent has only added to the intrigue and excitement of the ongoing Cricket World Cup, and they have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international cricket stage. The cricketing world eagerly awaits their future matches in this tournament, where they continue to challenge the odds and create history with each game.
