3 highest partnerships for Afghanistan in ODI World Cups ft. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran 

Afghanistan recorded their first-ever win over Pakistan in Match 22 of the ongoing ICC men's ODI World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday (October 23).

Pakistan entered the game as favorites, given their unbeaten streak against Afghanistan in One-Day Internationals. However, a high-spirited Afghani unit didn't give Pakistan any breathing space and secured a remarkable victory.

With a first innings score of 282 on the board, Pakistan would've been fairly confident about their ability to defend the total on a dry Chennai wicket.

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However, the Afghan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, proved to be the architects of the win as the duo notched up a brilliant 130-run stand. In doing so, they became the pair with the second-highest partnership for Afghanistan in ODI World Cups.

On that note, let's take a look at the three highest partnerships for Afghanistan in their 50-over World Cup history:

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#3 121 runs (4th wicket) - Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai vs India at 2023 World Cup in Delhi

Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai [Getty Images]

Less than two weeks ago, Afghanistan faced India in their second 2023 ODI World Cup group stage match in Delhi.

After opting to bat first, Afghanistan lost their first three wickets within 14 overs and were in a spot of bother at 63/3. With the surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium not providing much assistance to bowlers, Afghanistan knew that they needed 250+ to remain in the game.

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That's when skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai joined forces and rebuilt the Afghan innings. They took their time to get into the grove before striking some big blows to the Indian spinners.

Both Shahidi and Omarzai reached to their respective fifties and were involved in a 121-run partnership before a slower off-cutter from Hardik Pandya ended the latter's stay on 62. Shahidi, meanwhile, couldn't reach the three-figure mark either and was dismissed after a well-made 80 off 88 balls.

Shahidi and Omarzai's 121-run stand is the highest fourth-wicket partnership against India in ODI World Cups.

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#2 130 runs (1st wicket) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran vs Pakistan at 2023 World Cup in Chennai

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran [Getty Images]

The latest entrants on the list, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, struck a brilliant 130-run stand during Afghanistan's unprecedented win over Pakistan in Chennai.

Given that Afghanistan had never chased down a 280+ target in ODIs before, their chase of 283 could've been extremely tricky. However, against the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, and Shadab Khan, the Afghani openers carved out the chase in the most diligent fashion.

The two right-handers pounced on every run-making opportunity provided by the bowlers while also respecting the good balls. Both Gurbaz and Zadran have batted together since their junior cricket days, and their camaraderie was visible on Monday.

Gurbaz was the aggressor, while Zadran played a second-fiddle role in the partnership.

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Zadran was the first to reach his half-century, completing the milestone in the 15th over. The next over saw the two complete 100 runs in partnership, while Gurbaz also raised his bat after a superb 36-ball 50.

Both openers kept the runs flowing before Babar Azam brought back Shaheen Afridi, who broke the deadlock by dismissing Gurbaz (65 off 53). However, Zadran kept his wicket intact and batted for 12 more overs.

The 21-year-old had a terrific opportunity to make a hundred but was caught behind for 87 runs (in 113 balls). While neither Gurbaz nor Zadran remained unbeaten till the end, their partnership was the major reason behind Afghanistan's success.

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#1 133 runs (2nd wicket) - Ikram Alikhil and Rahmat Shah vs West Indies at 2019 World Cup in Leeds

Rahmat Shah congratulating Imram Alikhil [Getty Images]

The record for the highest-ever partnership for Afghanistan in ODI World Cup history is held by Rahmat Shah and Ikram Alikhil for their 133-run stand in Match 42 of the 2019 ODI World Cup against the West Indies at Headingley, Leeds.

Batting first, West Indies posted a first-innings total of 311/6. Shai Hope top-scored with his 92-ball 77. Afghanistan remained in the chase for most of the second innings, thanks to the tireless partnership between Rahmat and Ikram.

After losing Gulbadin Naib in the second over, Ikram joined Rahmat at the crease. Despite being just 18-years old, Ikram showcased incredible resolve and gelled well with Rahmat.

The two first weathered the new-ball storm from the Caribbean pace bowlers before taking Afghanistan closer to the target.

Rahmat was the first to get to a fifty, off 57 balls, before Ikram found a higher gear and outscored him. The main highlight of their stand was how spotlessly the duo batted.

The stand was snapped in the 27th over when Rahmat chipped one straight to Chris Gayle at extra cover after a well-made 62. Following the right-hander's dismissal, Ikram piled up 51 runs alongside Najibulllah Zadran.

However, Ikram's (86 runs off 93) wicket in the 36th over triggered a collapse in Afghanistan's batting line-up, who were then bundled out for 288 runs.

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