Cricket has emerged as a unifying force in an otherwise fractured country, transcending ethnic, linguistic and communal divisions to bring people together.
Afghanistan’s top batters made a promising start in their pursuit, scoring regularly during the powerplay overs. Unfortunately, they were then restrained by spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan in the middle overs.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan
Pakistan and Afghanistan share an intense cricketing rivalry that stems from shared history, culture, and politics. Since 2018, they have played 12 matches together, with Pakistan winning eight to Afghanistan’s four victories – making this match of paramount importance to both teams as the victor will secure their spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
Afghanistan will look to continue their stellar form after defeating England, by taking down Pakistan in match 22 of the ICC World Cup 2023. Pakistan are an experienced side, so victory may prove challenging; however, Afghanistan have already shown their ability in creating upsets at this tournament.
Afghanistan will be making their ODI debut against Pakistan at this World Cup and they must come prepared. While Afghanistan are favourites, they must not underestimate Pakistan.
Pakistan made an excellent start, with both Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam scoring steadily to reach 282/7 after the Powerplay over. Naveen-ul-Haq then took charge for the last over, effectively restricting Shaheen Afridi from crossing over 300.
Chennai will present both sides with a formidable test, as its pitch may prove turner and spinner friendly. Afghanistan spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohamad Nabi may prove particularly difficult for Pakistan batting to contain.
Match 22 of ICC World Cup 2023
Pakistan have fallen behind Australia in the points table and must win this match to keep alive their World Cup dreams. But they will face an Afghanistan team energised after having trounced England at Delhi; Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman can use their spin duo Rashid Khan/Mujeeb Ur Rahman to their advantage against an inexperienced Pakistan batting line-up.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will aim to add another 88-ball 80 against an old foe in Hashmatullah Shahidi. The Afghanistan captain has already scored three fifty plus scores at this tournament and can be quite the handful when on form. Against those playing spin bowling from Chennai a spinner may prove quite helpful against Hashmatullah.
Afghan cricketers delivered an outstanding performance to defeat Netherlands at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Chasing down their target of 180 with ease and keeping semi-final qualification hopes alive; their triumph also marks Afghanistan’s best ever performance at any World Cup tournament.
Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique shared an opening partnership of 60 runs in the first powerplay to quickly put Afghanistan on top. After adding another 60 in the ninth over, Afghanistan reached 215 for four wickets with 10 overs remaining.
Afghanistan are in a tough battle to qualify for the semifinals of World Cup 2018, as their game against India approaches. According to Afghan coach Jonathan Trott, this match-up against Pakistan must win as they hope it keeps control of their World Cup fate in their own hands and creates an engaging contest in Chennai on October 23rd.
Afghanistan won by 8 wickets
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz put Afghanistan on track with their opening partnership as they set the foundation for a successful run chase. Both completed their half-centuries quickly while striking back against Pakistani bowlers whenever given an opportunity – with Gurbaz smashing nine fours and one six against Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, and off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed all contributing bowling attacks that proved too much.
Afghanistan got off to a strong start as Imam-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai helped Afghanistan reach 56-0 in their powerplay over, on what had previously been an uneven track. However, Omarzai struck soon afterwards by deceiving Imam-ul-Haq with his first ball and trapping him in front of wicket.
Pakistan fell prey to an ever-declining run-rate and lost wickets at regular intervals as they sought a way past their target of 285. Babar Azam fell leg before wicket to left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmed after taking a review; Mohammad Rizwan was caught at long-on off an armer delivery; yet Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi shared an unbroken third wicket stand of 96 runs which helped Afghanistan cross over in 49 overs.
Afghanistan produced an outstanding team performance and victory on Thursday to move up to sixth in the table and expose Pakistan as they failed to deliver this time around. Afghanistan celebrated in style as they paraded around with fans cheering and waving the national flag while wearing T-shirts bearing names of refugees sent back home by Pakistan – it was an emotional scene that will have lasting impacts on football across Afghanistan; showing unity and strength as one united unit. If you want to know more about sports like: football, cricket, kabaddi, polo and many more just follow us: https://sportsbyte.co.uk/