Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid the muse of the staff’s victory by making a fast partnership of 130 runs.Image Credit supply: PTI
Afghanistan has stunned everybody with one other shocking victory within the World Cup 2023. After defeating the world champion England, the staff captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi once more pulled off an upset by defeating Babar Azam’s Pakistani staff. In this match held in Chennai on Monday 23 October, Afghanistan created a sensation by defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets with their sturdy and clever batting somewhat than the ability of their spin. Afghanistan restricted Pakistan to 282 runs attributable to Noor Ahmed’s superb bowling efficiency. After this, on the idea of the explosive opening partnership of Ibrahimi Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan for the primary time in ODI cricket.
Everyone’s eyes had been on this match held at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Pakistan had entered this match with the hope of victory after two consecutive defeats. Although he was additionally conscious of the hazard of Afghanistan. Especially the Pakistani staff and followers had been apprehensive about Afghan spin. At the identical time, after defeating England, Afghanistan’s morale was excessive and it was filled with confidence about its first win in 8 ODI matches towards Pakistan. In the top, Afghanistan proved Pakistan’s fears right however registered this victory primarily on the idea of its batting.
Noor Ahmed heavy on Pakistan
Pakistan batted first on Chennai’s spin-friendly pitch however its begin was higher than anticipated. Especially within the powerplay, Pakistani openers confronted Mujeeb ur Rehman nicely. Abdullah Shafiq (58) and Imam ul Haq (17) made a partnership of 56 runs in 10.2 overs for the primary wicket, however on this solely Shafiq appeared extra lively and aggressive. Then there was a partnership of 54 runs between Shafiq and captain Babar Azam. During this, Shafiq accomplished his second half-century.
Here Pakistan’s innings faltered a bit. 18-year-old spinner Noor Ahmed (3/49), enjoying his first World Cup match, first took the wickets of Shafiq after which quickly Mohammad Rizwan (8). During this, Babar (74) accomplished his second half-century within the match and took the staff’s rating ahead. However, the tempo of runs remained low after which within the forty second over, he additionally turned the third sufferer of Noor Ahmed. From right here the Pakistani staff appeared to be in bother however Shadab Khan (40) and particularly Iftikhar Ahmed (40) took the staff to a robust rating of 282 runs with their explosive batting.
Gurbaz-Zadran completed the unfinished work
Pakistan had by no means earlier than misplaced within the World Cup after scoring greater than 280 and as quickly as Iftikhar-Shadab took the staff to 282, the potential of the identical taking place once more was seen. However, the intentions of Gurbaz and Ibrahim had been totally different. Two months in the past, there was an explosive century partnership towards Pakistan in Dambulla however then the staff couldn’t convert it into victory. Once once more each of them made the identical explosive begin. There was a partnership of 130 runs between the 2, which was damaged by Shaheen Shah Afridi by dismissing Gurbaz (65) within the twenty second over.
Pakistan is ashamed
21-year-old opener Ibrahim (87), who had did not make a big effect within the match thus far, had saved his finest towards Pakistan. From right here he additionally made partnership with Rahmat Shah and took the staff to 190 runs. However, he couldn’t full his century and have become the sufferer of Hasan Ali. From right here it appeared that the Afghan staff would falter as traditional and Pakistan would flip the match in its favor however Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and captain Shahidi (48 not out) didn’t let this occur. Taking benefit of the poor type of Pakistan’s spinners and paceman Haris Rauf, each of them led the staff to a historic victory by shedding solely 2 wickets in 49 overs with none mistake and haste.
Third upset of the World Cup
This is the third upset on this World Cup, wherein Afghanistan has performed this feat for the second time. Earlier, Afghanistan had stunned world champion England. Then Netherlands additionally stunned South Africa. Now Afghanistan has as soon as once more performed wonders. This is his second victory within the World Cup 2023. Whereas Pakistan had began the match with a win in 2 matches however has now misplaced the third consecutive match. He was first defeated by Team India after which hunted by Australia.