Table of Contents
Afghanistan registered a stellar eight-wicket victory over their bitter rivaꦯls Pakist🌟an in Match 22 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.
In the high-octane clash, Afghanistan successfully chased down the target of 283 set by the Green Team. The win represented Afghanistan’s second triumph in the ongoing ICC event. On the other hand, the Babar Azam-led side suffered the♕ir third consecutive♔ defeat in the tournament.
Bowling brilliance: Afghanistan’s key to success
After opting to bat, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique putting together 56 runs in the first ten overs. However, Imam got out off Azmatullah Omarzai after the powerplay.
Next, skipper Bab🌺ar played a handful knock of 74 runs.
Muhammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel couldn’t capitalize on the start, leaving Pakistan at 206/5 with eight overs left. Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed took charge from there-on, contributing 40 runs each, propelling their side to a competitive total of 282/7 🍎in their allotted 50 overs.
Noor Ahmad emerged as Afghanistan’s standout bowler with three wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, supported by Naveen Ul Haq, who took two wickets for 52 runs in 7 overs. Despite going wicketless, Rashid Khan was economical, giving away just 41 runs in his fඣull quota of 10 overs.
Also WATCH: World Cup 2023 – Rashid Khan dances with Irfan Pathan and his Afghanistan teammates after historic win over Pakistan
When the bat rules: Afghanistan’s remarkable feat
In response, Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran crafted a healthy 130-run partnership for the first wicket. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Gurbaz, while Zadran departed after contributing 87 runs. However, Zadran’s 113-ball knock paved the way for a successful chase, with Afghanistan needing 92 runs from 99 balls.
Rahmat Shah (77) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48) ensured a comfortable finish, securing their team’s first ODI victory against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup.
Meme-mania: Afghanistan’s win sparks online humour
The high-voltage cricketing clash ignited a storm of reactions and memes across the crඣicketing communit⛦y, highlighting the intense passion that sports evoke.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Pakistan captain Babar Azam opens up on humiliating defeat against Afghanistan
Here are some of the best memes:
Yesterday India defeated New Zealand.
Today Afghanistan defeated Pakistan.
Tomorrow is Vijya Dashmi.— Jai Upadhyay (@jay_upadhyay14)
I've been watching cricket from last 26 years and honestly i don't understand Babr's field placement and bowling change decisions at all … When ball was reverse swinving, he brought Shadab back .. When pacers were exerting some pressure, he brought Usama back !!!
— Namrah Naseem Shah (@NamrahNaseem)
Poor lumber 1 batsmen and Pakistan cricket 😂
— CricketComiX (@CricketComiX)
Pommie Mbangwa is to Pakistan Cricket🍬 what Yashpal Sharma was to Gangs of Wasseypur. He was there on༒ comm when Zim bet Pak last year.
— Poor Man's Devanand OBE (@BarkusMaximus)
— Savage 2.0 (@Meme_Canteen)
Taliba༺n boys in Afghanistan will be having a blast tonig⛎ht 😂💥
— Danish Sait (@DanishSait)
Pakistan is an unpredictable side but the way they have been making lame excuses for their earlier defeats, this was certainly on the cards. Just did not focus on their many weaknesses. What a proud day for Afghanisitan, came close many times but today crossed the line. 💟
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
• They Never Disrespect Us, Never Poke Us
• They Never Bring Religion In Sports
• They Never Hype Their Best Spin Attack
• They Never Complain About Anything"Tum Hme Izzat Do ꦜHum Tumhe Sar Aankho Par Bithaenge Ye Wada Hai"
— Tasneem Hanif 🇮🇳 (@TasneemKhatai)
Afghan fans beating Pakistanis in UK 🅺after pak has lost the match vs afg !
— shubham (@rassivd)
Pakistan today 😹
— 𝙎 (@Alreadysad__)
Pak vs Afg summary— theboysthing_ (@Theboysthing)
Celebration of Afghanistan fan
In afganistan after defeating Pakistan..
The next level celebration…— Md Husnain (@mdrj007)
