Afghanistan thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in Cricket World Cup 22nd match

Afghanistan thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in Cricket World Cup 22nd match.imagr/AP

Rahmat Shah Shines as Afghanistan Inches Towards Victory

Strong Opening Partnership

In ODI 22 of the 2023 World Cup in Chennai, Afghanistan is making a remarkable push towards victory in their 283-run chase against Pakistan. Their journey to this point was marked by an exceptional performance by their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. However, this partnership faced a sudden halt in the 22nd over when Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Gurbaz for a well-played 65 off 53 balls.

Steady Progress Towards Victory

Rahmat Shah stepped in to replace Gurbaz and started building a steady partnership with Zadran. Meanwhile, Zadran narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 87 off 113 balls before losing his wicket to Hasan Ali. This outstanding performance has significantly boosted Afghanistan’s chances of securing a win in this crucial match.

Late Blitz and Consistent Bowling by Pakistan

Earlier in the game, Pakistan, captained by Babar Azam, posted a competitive total of 282/7 in their 50 overs. This was made possible through a late blitz by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, who both contributed 40 runs each. Babar Azam, the skipper, played a crucial role by scoring 74 runs off 92 balls before getting dismissed by Noor Ahmad. This comprehensive batting performance laid a solid foundation for Pakistan.

Battle of Spin and Consistency

Both teams have made strategic changes to their lineups. Pakistan has brought in Shadab Khan in place of Mohammad Nawaz, who was suffering from a fever. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has added an extra spinner, Noor Ahmad, to their XI by replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi. Both sides are now well-prepared for a fierce battle on the field.

High Stakes for Both Sides

Babar Azam-led Pakistan, after facing tough defeats in their last two encounters, is determined to bounce back with a win. Afghanistan is also eager to secure their second victory in the tournament following a significant defeat against New Zealand. The stakes are high as both teams seek to make their mark on this World Cup.

Challenging Conditions in Chennai

Despite Pakistan appearing as the favorites on paper, the Chepauk track, known for assisting spinners, has raised Afghanistan’s hopes. Their spin department, led by Rashid Khan, and supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, is a formidable force. However, Afghanistan’s inconsistency in their batting remains a concern.

Pakistan’s Struggles

On the other hand, Pakistan, despite their strong squad, has struggled to secure victories against smaller opponents like the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. Their dramatic collapse against India and a lackluster performance against Australia have raised questions. Pakistan is now aiming for a convincing win against Afghanistan, looking to secure crucial points and establish themselves as strong contenders in the race for the semifinals.

Afghanistan thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in Cricket World Cup 22nd match:

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