ICC Men’s ODI World Cup: ‘Heroism sans melodrama’ – Reactions as Afghanistan stuns Pakistan

The win is Afghanistan’s first-ever over Pakistan in eight ODIs.

Oct 23, 2023 - 23:30

ICC Men’s ODI World Cup: ‘Heroism sans melodrama’ – Reactions as Afghanistan stuns Pakistan

Afghanistan put on a superb all-round display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup on Monday.

Chasing a 283-run target, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286/2 in 49 overs.

Pakistan had made 282/7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique, but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan.

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, with a 45-ball 48 not out, hit the winning boundary as Afghanistan improved upon their highest ODI chase of 274 against the UAE in Dubai in 2014.

The win is Afghanistan’s first-ever over Pakistan in eight ODIs and came eight days after their shock victory over defending champions England in Delhi.

The defeat leaves Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in disarray with three defeats in five games and a formidable South Africa to face at the same venue on Friday.

In contrast, Afghanistan’s campaign is slightly revived with two wins in five matches and struggling Sri Lanka as their next opponents in Pune on Sunday.

Pakistan were sloppy in the field as they conceded easy boundaries with openers Zadran and Gurbaz taking their side to 100 in the 16th over.

The pair put on 130 by...