PAK vs AFG Review: Afghanistan continue their dream World Cup campaign
Pakistan and Afghanistan faced off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in a highly-anticipated match of the 2023 ODI World Cup and Hashmatullah Shahdi and Co. sprung a surprise once again, beating Babar Azam and his men to record their second win in the tournament.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 287. It was led by an impressive performance from their top-order batters. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, displayed his class with his 30th One Day International (ODI) fifty. His captain’s knock was complemented by a big-hitting cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed, adding to Pakistan’s strong batting display.
Pakistan’s opening duo, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, appeared at ease against the new ball. They put together a solid 56-run opening stand. The turning point came courtesy of Noor Ahmad, who replaced Fazalhaq Farooqi in the Afghan lineup.
The young spinner made an immediate impact, breaking the 54-run partnership with wickets in consecutive overs. He first trapped Shafique lbw, before inducing a top edge from Mohammad Rizwan, causing Pakistan to struggle on a challenging surface.Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan made their presence felt as they forged a resilient partnership worth 73 runs for the sixth wicket.
Chasing the target, Afghan batters showcased great composure. Their openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz had a brilliant 130-run partnership before Gurbaz got out for 65. From the other end, Ibrahim stood strong and stitched another good partnership with Rahmat Shah for the second wicket. Ibrahim, who was looking all set to get a century here, was dismissed at 87 but he had kept his team in a very good position till that time.
Rahmat Shah from the other end stood strong and scored a brilliant fifty with a score of 77 runs to win the game for his team as the Afghans won the game by eight wickets and created history by beating Pakistan for the first time in World Cup history.
Top Performers of the Match
Ibrahim Zadran (87 of 113)
Ibrahim Zadran had been one of the best players in recent times for Afghanistan. In a big chase against a formidable bowling lineup, he showcased his great skill and scored a brilliant 87 to ensure victory for his team. He smashed ten fours in his brilliant knock.
Noor Ahmed (3/49, 10 overs)
Noor was included in the team in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi for this match and he showcased his real prowess. Pakistani batters were totally unable to pick his unorthodox leg spin and googlies. He took three important wickets to derail Pakistani batting and became the best bowler of the match.
What next?
Going ahead, Afghanistan will play against Sri Lanka on October 30. While Pakistan will take on South Africa on October 27.
