Afghanistan showcased their cricket prowess, securing a historic win against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This remarkable victory marked the first-ever win for Afghanistan over Pakistan in a men’s ODI, and it unfolded in Chennai, with Afghanistan triumphing by eight wickets.
Facing a formidable target of 283 runs, Afghanistan’s top-order batsmen displayed exceptional form, crafting a high-quality run chase that culminated in an impressive eight-wicket win, with an over to spare.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz set the tone with a blistering 53-ball 65, accompanied by opening partner Ibrahim Zadran, who notched an impressive 87 runs. Later in the innings, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi delivered crucial contributions of 77* and 48* respectively, sealing the victory for Afghanistan.
Despite Pakistan’s strong showing with a total of 282/7, achieved under the pressure of Afghanistan’s potent spin attack, led by Noor Ahmad (3/49), the target proved insufficient. Afghanistan’s openers dominated the early phase of the chase, amassing 60 runs without loss in the powerplay, effectively neutralizing Pakistan’s pace attack.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a standout performer throughout the tournament, set the momentum by finding boundaries early in the innings, while Ibrahim Zadran also reached his fifty. However, Gurbaz’s aggressive batting ended at 65 runs from 53 balls, providing Pakistan with a crucial breakthrough.
Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran steadied Afghanistan in the middle overs, bringing the required runs down to double digits, setting the stage for a thrilling finish in Chennai. Nevertheless, Pakistan maintained hope when Hasan Ali dismissed Zadran for 87, setting up an intense climax.
In the latter stages of the innings, the experience of Rahmat and Hashmatullah Shahidi shone through, guiding Afghanistan to victory with composed and calculated batting, much to the jubilation of their squad.
In the lead-up, Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, chose to bat first on a dry, spin-friendly Chennai surface. Afghanistan introduced Noor Ahmad into the lineup, bolstering their already potent spin options, as all four spinners were in action.
Pakistan made a strong start, with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq forging a partnership in the powerplay, hitting eight boundaries in the first ten overs, including Pakistan’s first six of the year in the opening powerplay of an ODI.
The breakthrough for Afghanistan came in the 11th over when Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Imam-ul-Haq, who mistimed a short delivery. Captain Babar Azam and Shafique continued to build partnerships, but Afghanistan’s spinners, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, took control of the game in the middle overs.
Shafique was dismissed for 58, and Mohammad Rizwan followed suit, both struggling against the spin. Captain Babar ensured Pakistan maintained their strategic platform, forming partnerships with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan.
Pakistan’s lower order, led by Iftikhar Ahmed, added valuable runs in the final overs. Iftikhar’s explosive 40 runs included four sixes, contributing to Pakistan’s total.
Notably, Afghanistan’s spinners, particularly Noor Ahmad, played a pivotal role in constraining Pakistan’s innings, finishing with impressive figures.
This thrilling match leaves both teams with four points after five matches in the tournament, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the semi-finals.
