Afghanistan produced a clinical performance to shock Pakistan by 8 wickets in a high-voltage clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium 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 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
After the dismissal of Zadran and Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi took Afghanistan to the finish line. They played sensibly and rotated the strike well. Shahidi scored the winning runs with a six to complete a historic victory for Afghanistan.
Match Highlights:
- Afghanistan bowlers set the tone: Afghanistan’s bowlers 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: Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put on a 151-run partnership for the first wicket to give Afghanistan a flying start in their chase. 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: After the dismissal of Zadran and Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi took Afghanistan to the finish line with sensible batting. Shahidi scored the winning runs with a six.
Impact of Afghanistan’s victory:
Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan is a significant one. It is the first time that Afghanistan has ever defeated Pakistan in an ODI match. It is 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 are currently a formidable force in the world of cricket because to their roster of young, gifted players.
Afghanistan’s victory is also a significant moment for Afghan cricket. The fact that Afghanistan is currently a key player in cricket gives millions of Afghans around the world hope.
Conclusion:
Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan was a historic one. It was a testament to the progress that Afghanistan have made in recent years, and it showed that Afghanistan are now a force to be reckoned with in world cricket. Afghanistan’s victory is a significant moment for Afghan cricket, and it gives hope to millions of Afghans around the world.