“And I fulfilled mine [promise]” - Irfan Pathan discloses reason behind dancing with Rashid Khan after Afghanistan’s triumph over Pakistan
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has revealed that his viral dance with Rashid Khan after Afghanistan’s historic win over Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup match was a promise that he fulfilled. Irfan disclosed that Rashid had predicted a victory for Afghanistan. The former India all-rounder had responded by promising to dance if that happened.
Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets in match number 22 of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan put up 282/7 on the board as skipper Babar Azam top-scored with 74 off 92 balls, while opener Abdullah Shafique contributed 58 off 75. A blazing 27-ball 40 from Iftikhar Ahmed took Pakistan past the 280-run mark.
The total proved inadequate, though, as Afghanistan chased down the total in clinical fashion. Openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53) added 130 runs in 21.1 overs. After the dismissal of the openers, the experienced duo of Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48* off 45) guided their side home, featuring in an unbroken 96-run stand for the third wicket.
As Afghanistan celebrated a famous win, Pathan, who is part of the commentary panel for the ongoing World Cup, joined Rashid for a dance and their jig went viral in no time. The duo also shared a warm hug. While sharing the video on his social media handle, Pathan explained the reason behind dancing with the star Afghanistan cricketer. He wrote:
“He fulfilled his promise… And I fullfilled mine. @rashid.khan19 told me they will win again and I told him I will dance again. #afghanistan @icc.”
Rashid did not pick up any wicket with his leg-spin, but was economical, conceding only 41 runs in his 10 overs. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad starred with 3/49, while pacer Naveen-ul-Haq claimed 2/52.
Win against Pakistan was Afghanistan’s second big triumph in the 2023 World Cup
Afghanistan’s eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan was their second major win of the 2023 World Cup. They had earlier upset defending champions England at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi by 69 runs.
Afghanistan batted first against England and posted a competitive 284 as opener Gurbaz hammered 80. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid then claimed three scalps apiece as England were bowled out for 215.
The Afghan side will next take on Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on October 30.