ODI World Cup: After England, Mature Afghans Conquer Pakistan

Chennai: Afghanistan have done it again. After humbling defending champions England, the Afghans on Monday routed former winners Pakistan by 8 wickets in the ODI World Cup.

Chasing 283, the Afghan batters showed great maturity to get over the line with a full over to spare.

Openers Ibrahim Zadran (87) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) put on 130, before Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (48 not out) guided them home with an unconquered 96-run partnership for the third wicket.

It was Afghans’ first-ever ODI victory over Pakistan, and their third overall in World Cup history.

Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered their third defeat in five matches – seriously denting their hopes of making the semifinals.

After making an encouraging start in the tournament with victories against The Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan have now lost three on the trot – versus India, Australia and Afghanistan.

Babar Azam’s men will now have to win their remaining four games against tough oppositions — South Africa, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh — to have any chances of finishing the league stage in top four.

Brief scores: Pakistan 282/7 in 50 overs (Babar Azam 74, Abdullah Shafique 58, Shadab Khan 40, Iftikhar Ahmed 40; Noor Ahmad 3/49). Afghanistan 286/2 in 49 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 87, Rahmat Shah 77 not out, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 65, Hashmatullah Shahidi 48 not out).

Result: Afghanistan won by 8 wickets.

Points position: Pakistan 5th (4 points in 5 matches); Afghanistan 6th (4 points in 5 matches).