Afghanistan Secures Historic Victory Over Pakistan in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Clinching an Eight-Wicket Win in Chennai. Chasing a target of 283, Afghanistan’s top-order batsmen displayed superb form, all achieving half-centuries, in a high-quality run chase. They reached the target with eight wickets in hand and an over to spare, marking a significant milestone in men’s ODI history.
Pakistani bowlers did not bowled well and fielding was all over the place. Spin department was totally failed on spinning road track.
Afghanistan’s formidable opening duo launched a blistering assault at the beginning of their chase, amassing 60 runs without losing a wicket during the initial powerplay. This fiery start was crucial, as it allowed them to get ahead before the spin bowlers could assert their influence.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a consistent presence at the top of the order throughout the tournament, wasted no time in setting the tone by finding the boundary off the very first delivery he faced from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Gurbaz continued his onslaught, taking on Pakistan’s other pace sensation, Haris Rauf, and hitting four boundaries in five balls during the eighth over to maintain the momentum.
Both Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran reached their half-centuries, and Afghanistan’s openers decided to take the initiative against Pakistan’s spinners after dealing with the pace threats.
However, Gurbaz’s aggressive innings came to an end when he challenged the returning Shaheen Shah Afridi, departing after scoring a dynamic 65 from 53 balls, providing Pakistan with the crucial breakthrough they had been yearning for.
Rahmat Shah then partnered with Ibrahim to navigate the tricky middle overs, and their partnership whittled the required runs down to double figures, setting the stage for a thrilling finish in Chennai.
Pakistan remained in the contest when Hasan Ali dismissed the key batsman, Zadran, for 87, setting up an intense and nail-biting climax.