ODI World Cup 2023 Cricket

'Such a heartwarming gesture!' - Fans react as Mujeeb Ur Rahman dedicates his Player of the Match award to Afghanistan people suffering from earthquake

ODI World Cup 2023 Cricket News: Spin bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman dedicates his Player of the Match award against England to the people of Afghanistan suffering from the earthquake.

Sarah Andrew

15 Oct 2023 22:55 IST

New Update

Afghanistan created history and won its first-ever cricket match against England. In the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan defeated England comprehensively by 69 runs and clinched their first win of the tournament. The win of Afghanistan was rather unexpected. But the way they dominated the game against England was unbelievable. It was highly unexpected for England to play the way they did.

Opting to bowl first, England conceded 284 runs. The knocks of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, and some cameos from Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan helped Afghanistan get to the total. Chasing the target, Afghanistan completely dominated England. The spin trio of Mujeeb, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan collectively claimed 8 wickets and rattled the batting of England.

Mujeeb was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round performance in the match. With the bat, Mujeeb scored a crucial cameo. In 16 balls, Mujeeb scored 28 runs, which included 3 fours and a six. With the ball, Mujeeb bowled an exceptional spell and got the big wickets of Joe Root and Harry Brook. In his 10 overs, Mujeeb bowled a maiden, conceded 51 runs, and claimed 3 wickets in the match.

'Cricket is the only source of happiness in Afghanistan' - Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Speaking about his performance in the match, Mujeeb expressed that he was happy with the way he bowled with the new ball. Mujeeb said that it was not easy to bowl in the second innings, as the dew had set in. Along with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb expressed that the win meant a lot for the team, as England is a strong team. Mujeeb dedicated his Player of the Match award to the people who were suffering from the earthquake.

In the post-match conference, Mujeeb said "Cricket is the only source of happiness in Afghanistan, recently there was an Earthquake, and many lost everything, this will give them some happiness - this is for them." Afghanistan does not get many moments to celebrate. They needed such a win to lift them in the difficult times.

Here's how the fans reacted to the gesture of Mujeeb -

RIP Bazball pic.twitter.com/pL1yPrNdEL
— Kapil Pratap Singh (@kapil9994) October 15, 2023

Well done afghanistan you deserve all the praises 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/NjNbdrad9K
— Avinash P (@avinashparmar97) October 15, 2023

Mujeeb and Rashid Khan, two heroes of Afghanistan
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) October 15, 2023

Same Target, Same Bowling Attack,Same Pitch

Rohit Sharma chased down it in within 30 overs but England 11 players failed to do it together 🤯🤯
— Ayushi tiwari (Blue Tick ) (@INDIAN2308) October 15, 2023

Afghanistan showed a great performance in both the batting and bowling fields and beat England for the first time in history. Afghanistan cricket team certainly deserves congratulations.🇦🇫
— Dr Crickter (@drcrickter) October 15, 2023

What a gesture. Your attitude and performance only wins the hearts of Indians. 🔥🔥🔥
— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 15, 2023

He deserves it, upset done against England from Afghanistan #ENGvsAFG
— Hare Krishna (@hknaik0101)
October 15, 2023

Wow, such a heartwarming gesture! Hats off to Mujeeb Ur Rahman and his dedication to the people of Afghanistan. Truly a role model on and off the field!
— Somanath Mishra🇮🇳 (@somnath_bbsr) October 15, 2023

True champions. Dedicating award where it's due.

That's all we expect.
— Rushank (@Rushank_97) October 15, 2023

Beautiful gesture from the hero 🫡 pic.twitter.com/v643WSCaXb
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) October 15, 2023

ODI World Cup 2023 Featured England Afghanistan Mujeeb Ur Rahman