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The first One-Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Pakistan took place at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota where the Men i🍸n Green registered a dominating triumph by 142 runs.
Having won the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first. Their innings got off to a slow start as opener Fakhar Zaman departed early, scoring 2 runs. However, Imam ul Haq steadied the ship with a solid 61 ru𒆙n𒉰s off 94 balls.
The rest of the Pakistani batting line-up struggled to build substantial partnerships, with only Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab Khan (39) making notable contributions. The Afghanistan bowlers, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman‘s excellent spell of 3 wickets for 33 runs, kept the pressure on Pakistan. Eventually, Pakistan were bundled out for 201 runs in 47.1 overs.
Also WATCH: Comedy o𝄹f errors in Hambantota as Pakistan fielders goꦐof up against Afghanistan
Haris Rauf destroys Afghanistan batting unit with fiery bowling exhibition
Afghanistan faced an uphill battle as they struggled against the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Their innings crumbled under the immense pressure imposed by Pakistan’s bowlers. Apart from Azmatullah Omarzai‘s quickfire 16 runs and Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s patient 18 runs, the Afghan batters failed to put up a fight.
Haris Rauf was the standout performer for the tourists, wreaking havoc with a five-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in his 6.2 overs. Afghanistan was bundled out for a mere 59 runs in 19.2 overs. Pakistan’s dominant performance with both bat and ball secured them a comprehensive victory of 142 runs.
Rauf’s exceptional bowling earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning performance, which played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumph. This convincing win in the 1st ODI provides Pakistan with early momentum in the series, while Afghanistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series in the upcoming matches.
Also READ: Batting prodigy Tilak Varma spills beans ove💙r his selection in India’s Asia Cup squad
Here is how Twitter reacted:
1️⃣-0️⃣ in emphatic style 💥
What an🌠 🌳incredible bowling performance to win the first ODI by 142 runs! 💪 |
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
FIRST🥂 FIVE-WICKET HAUL IN ODI 🐬CRICKET FOR HARIS RAUF 🔥🔥
Pakistan ha🥀ve won the match by 142 runs. Alhamdulli🌼lah ❤️
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
A Haris Rauf show….!!!!
Five-wicket haul as Afghanistan bowled out for just 59 ꦓruns and Pakistan take 1-0⛦ lead in the series.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Afghanistan are bowlꦡed out for their second-lowest score in ODIs as Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series 😯 📝:
— ICC (@ICC)
Afghanistan bowled out for🌃 just 59ﷺ against Pakistan in the 1st ODI.
Haris Rauf the hero with 5/18.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Maiden f🎀ive-wicket haul for Haris Rauf, 1🐲8 for 5 in 6.2 overs.
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888)
//t🐟witter.com/S🌠aadIrfan258/status/1694008309018398867
𝕴Haris Rauf Won The Man of the Match Award for his 5 wick☂et haul 🤩☺️
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy)
Congratulations to all PCT Fans.
We all believe in our𝔍 bowling. We have best bowlers in the World like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. | |
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_)
Co🍸ngratulations to team Pakistan!!!! What a win 😜
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm)
