In Pictures and Videos: Afghanistan celebrate historic triumph over Pakistan in 2023 World Cup
Afghanistan created cricketing history on Monday, registering their maiden ODI victory over Pakistan. The effort was extra special since it came in a World Cup match. Afghanistan hammered Pakistan by eight wickets in match number 22 of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Pakistan won the toss and batted first. They posted what seemed like a competitive total of 282/7 on the board, with skipper Babar Azam top-scoring with 74 off 92 balls. Opener Abdullah Shafique chipped in with 58 off 75 balls, but it needed a whirlwind cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed (40 off 27) to push Pakistan past 280.
Afghanistan, though, chased down the target in clinical fashion as openers Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53) added 130 runs. Rahmat Shah also contributed a significant 77* off 84 balls, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 48 off 45 balls.
Afghanistan players, the cricket board, and some fans took to social media to share pictures and videos of the celebrations following the memorable triumph. Here’s a compilation:
“The way we chased was very professional” - Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi
Reflecting on the famous win, Afghanistan captain Shahidi said that they chased the total in a professional manner, adding that they have been playing good cricket for the last two years.
He said at the post-match presentation ceremony:
"The way we chased today [Monday], was very professional. We have been quality cricket from a couple of years. We will try our best to play positive cricket, and do a lot for our country. Today, bowling was very good, especially spin bowling. We gave a chance to Noor [Ahmad], and he showed [what he can do]. The game was in our hands from the beginning till the end.”
Shahidi asserted that they were confident of doing well heading into the tournament and are keen to continue the good run in the remaining matches.
"We always had belief and at the start of the tournament I told my team I wanted to make it a historic one for our country and our people. We did that against England and now today against Pakistan. We are looking forward to playing positive cricket in our next games," he concluded.
Before Pakistan, Afghanistan had defeated England by 69 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.