Afghanistan notched up an historic ODI win on Monday night against Pakistan in their World Cup 2023 match in Chennai, India.

Afghanistan thrashed Babar Azam’s Pakistan by eight wickets, denting Pakistan’s semifinal hopes. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men romped past a hapless Pakistan as they kept a steady pace at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

This was Afghanistan’s second major shock of the Cricket World Cup after beating defending champions England last week and the latest win has pushed them up to 6th spot on the World Cup log.

Chasing 283 to win, Afghanistan rode on the back of impressive innings from Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48 not out) to reach their target with six balls to spare.

Afghanistan and Pakistan both now have two wins and three losses from their five group games.

Zadran was named Man of the Match for his 87 off 113 balls. Him and Gurbaz created the platform from the chase.

As a number of commentators have said, Afghanistan did not “edge to victory here. They romped to it.” And at no point in this game were they out of control. This was a measured, mature performance from a team that will win hearts all over the world.

This article was first published in  AMU TV, Afghanistan