Afghanistan made history by defeating Pakistan in Monday’s cricket game at the World Cup in Chennai. They successfully chased the 283-run target with just two wickets lost and six balls to spare, as Pakistani bowlers struggled to halt the Afghan batsmen.
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz both scored half-centuries, providing a strong start of 130 runs for the Afghan side. Zadran was the top run-scorer, with 87 runs off 113 balls, while Gurbaz contributed 65 runs off 53 balls. Rahmat Shah also scored a half-century, remaining unbeaten with 77 runs off 84 balls.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali took one wicket each, while the other four bowlers went wicketless.
In this match, Pakistan set a target of 283 runs after deciding to bat first. Despite a slower scoring rate in the middle overs and regular wicket losses, a late partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan post a competitive total. Iftikhar scored 40 runs off 27 balls, including four sixes and a couple of fours, while Shadab Khan added 40 runs.
The opening pair of Pakistan provided a solid start with 56 runs in the first 10 overs. By the 38th over, Pakistan was at 183 for the loss of four wickets, with captain Babar Azam unbeaten on 55 runs off 75 balls. Imam-ul-Haq scored 17 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed, and Abdullah Shafique contributed a half-century with 58 runs before falling to Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad.
The Afghan spinners maintained a tight line and length, and Pakistan’s scoring rate hovered around 4.8 runs per over. Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat in this ICC World Cup clash against Afghanistan, as both teams aimed to end their respective losing streaks.
