In a thrilling encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Afghanistan pulled off a remarkable victory by defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. With this win, Afghanistan has now leaped to the 6th spot in the points table, while Pakistan finds itself on a three-match losing streak, having succumbed to defeats against India, Australia, and now Afghanistan.
After a historic win against Pakistan, Afghanistan now moves to sixth place in the points table with two crucial wins.#PAKvsAFG pic.twitter.com/KDYaH9Rk4N
— Muhammad Ali Abdullah (@AliAbdullah_185) October 23, 2023
Impact on the Points Table
With this emphatic victory, Afghanistan has climbed to the 6th spot in the points table. The team’s net run rate stands at -0.969, showcasing their resilience in the tournament. On the other hand, Pakistan’s struggling performance has left them with just 4 points and a net run rate of -0.400, raising questions about their chances of making it to the knockout stage.
Afghanistan’s Ascension
Afghanistan’s journey in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of impressive. The team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, showcased their determination and skill in the match against Pakistan, securing a commanding 8-wicket win. Their victory against Pakistan not only silenced the critics but also propelled them to the 6th position in the points table.
Pakistan’s Downward Spiral
On the flip side, Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has left much to be desired. The team, captained by Babar Azam, is currently facing a three-match losing streak. After a promising start with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s campaign took a hit with losses to India, Australia, and now Afghanistan. These consecutive defeats have dented Pakistan’s hopes in the tournament and raised concerns about their future in the competition.
Afghanistan’s Dominant Performance
In the crucial encounter against Pakistan, Afghanistan displayed dominance with both bat and ball. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 282/7 in their innings, with contributions from key players such as Babar Azam, who scored 74 runs, and Shafique, who managed 58 runs. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Noor Ahmad with his three-wicket haul, restricted Pakistan effectively.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran Shine
Afghanistan’s chase was led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who played stellar roles in the victory. Gurbaz scored 65 runs, while Zadran’s impressive 87 runs laid the foundation for the win. They were ably supported by Rahmat Shah, who remained unbeaten with 77 runs, and Hashmatullah Shahidi, contributing 48 not out. Together, they ensured Afghanistan reached the target comfortably.
