Afghanistan create history, defeat Pakistan in WC

Afghanistan created history on Monday, bagging their first-ever win against Pakistan in World Cup. The Afghans sealed a eight-wicket win in the ongoing 2023 World Cup, in Chennai.

Chasing 283, Afghanistan reached 286/2 in 49 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from IbrahiWom Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65). The Afghans received a strong start in the second innings from their openers, Gurbaz and Zadran.

In cruise control mode, their partnership came to a sudden end in the 22nd over, as Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Gurbaz for 65 off 53 balls. Rahmat Shah came in to replace Gurbaz, and was building a steady partnership with Zadran. Ibrahim Zadran narrowly missed out on a ton, smacking 87 off 113 balls, and lost his wicket to Hasan Ali. Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) hit the match-winning four as Afghanistan sealed a historic win.

Earlier, late blitz by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan impose 282/7 in 50 overs. Skipper Babar Azam played an innings of 74 runs while opener Abdullah Shafique made 58 runs.