In one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in Chennai on October 23, 2023. Chasing a target of 283, Afghanistan rode on impressive half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi to reach their target with 6 balls to spare.
The Afghanistan vs Pakistan match was one of the most highly anticipated matches of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Both teams are coming off impressive wins in their previous matches, and the stakes were high. Pakistan was looking to solidify their position at the top of the table, while Afghanistan was looking to move closer to the semi-finals.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They got off to a good start, with Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique scoring half-centuries. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back well, and Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 282 in 50 overs.
Afghanistan’s chase got off to a flying start, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz putting on a 151-run partnership for the first wicket. Zadran was eventually dismissed for 87, but Gurbaz went on to score 65 before being dismissed. Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi then took Afghanistan to the finish line, with Shahidi scoring the winning runs with a six.
Afghanistan’s bowlers set the tone
Afghanistan’s bowlers set the tone for the match with a disciplined performance. They bowled tight lines and lengths, and they were able to take wickets at regular intervals. Noor Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan, with figures of 3/49.
Zadran and Gurbaz give Afghanistan a flying start
Afghanistan’s chase got off to a flying start, with Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz putting on a 151-run partnership for the first wicket. Zadran was eventually dismissed for 87, but Gurbaz went on to score 65 before being dismissed.
Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi guide Afghanistan to victory
Afghanistan was led to victory by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah following the removal of Zadran and Gurbaz. They rotated the attack smartly and played sanely. With a six-run home run, Shahidi completed the historic victory for Afghanistan.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan was a historic one. It was the first time that Afghanistan had ever defeated Pakistan in an ODI match. It was also the highest successful chase against Pakistan in a World Cup game.
Afghanistan’s victory is a testament to the progress that they have made in recent years. They have a team full of talented young players, and they are now a force to be reckoned with in world cricket.
Analysis
Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan was a major upset, but it was not entirely unexpected. Afghanistan have been playing some very good cricket in recent years, and they have a number of world-class players in their team.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have been inconsistent in recent times. They have a world-class batting line-up, but their bowling has been a bit of a let-down.
In the match against Pakistan, Afghanistan’s bowlers were outstanding. In addition to being able to take wickets consistently, they bowled with tight lines and lengths. With a 3/49 figure, Noor Ahmad was Afghanistan’s best bowler.
Afghanistan’s chase also very impressive. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave them a flying start, and Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi guided them to victory with sensible batting.
Impact
Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan has had a major impact on the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan are now in a good position to qualify for the semi-finals, while Pakistan’s hopes of winning the tournament have taken a major blow.
Afghanistan’s victory is also a significant moment for Afghan cricket. It shows that Afghanistan are now a force to be reckoned with in world cricket, and it gives hope to millions of Afghans around the world.
Conclusion
That was a historic win for Afghanistan over Pakistan. It was proof of the strides Afghanistan has made lately and demonstrated that they are now a serious player in the world of cricket. Millions of Afghans throughout the world are given hope by Afghanistan’s victory, which is a landmark occasion for Afghan cricket.