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'Dil Dil Pakistan Bajao Koi' - Fans react as Afghanistan openers post a massive century-partnership in just 15.3 overs

Afghanistan are eyeing their first win against Pakistan in ODI cricket as they have lost all matches in the last seven clashes against the men in green.

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Mathew K
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Pakistan vs Afghanistan (File Photo, Twitter)

Pakistan vs Afghanistan (File Photo, Twitter)

Star Afghanistan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started the innings in a blistering style during the run-chase against Pakistan in the ongoing 22nd match of the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, both teams are locking horns with each other in this match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pak skipper Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first; batting first, Pakistan posted a decent total of 282 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Skipper Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique played the crucial knocks of 74 and 58 runs, respectively.

Other than Babar and Shafique, two-star all-rounders, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed also played the important knocks of 40 runs each.

Noor Ahmad and Naveen-ul-Haq picked three and two wickets, respectively for Afghanistan, alongside one wicket each bagged by Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Gurbaz and Zadran take Afghanistan run-chase in full swing

While chasing the target, the Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim stitched a swashbuckling century partnership for the first wicket in just 15.3 overs. The first wicket of Afghanistan at the moment when the openers had already added 130 runs for the first wicket in 21.1 overs; it was the time when Gurbaz fell prey to Shaheen Afridi at the individual score of 65 runs. 

Currently, Afghanistan have scored 154 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 25.2 overs during their run-chase of a 283-run target. Now, they require 129 runs off 24.4 overs to register their second win in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Earlier, they shook everyone with a stunning and amazing win by 69 runs over the defending champions, England.

Interestingly, this match is a must-win clash for both Afghanistan and Pakistan to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Pakistan have lost 2 matches out of the 4 games, they played so far. On the other hand, Afghanistan are coming off with three defeats and the only win in the four matches of their World Cup campaign so far.

Here’s how fans reacted to the swashbuckling opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran:

 

ODI World Cup 2023 Featured Pakistan vs Afghanistan Rahmanullah Gurbaz