Afghanistan continued their giant-killing spree in the World Cup by carving apart Pakistan in their league encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday (Oct 23). Chasing a demanding target of 283, Afghanistan batters put in a shift for the ages and emerged victorious by eight wickets, riding on enterprising knocks from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87), with Rahmat Shah (77*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) providing the finishing touches. 

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Pakistan bowlers once again failed to prove themselves on the big stage as the side succumbed to its third consecutive defeat in the marquee event. Barring Shaheen Afridi, none of the bowlers could even test the Afghan batters who managed to play them with ease. 

Gurbaz, playing his own version of ‘Bazball’ cricket, dominated the first powerplay and took the game to the 1992 World Cup champions. He took apart Haris Rauf for 17 runs in his first over and never really allowed the pacer to get into any sort of rhythm. Notably, Rauf had conceded 23 runs in his first over in the last match against Australia as well. 

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It didn’t help Pakistan’s cause that the fielders were sloppy in gliding across the turf and gifted 15-20 runs easily. There was a brief window in the middle when Shaheen turned up for his second spell and sent Gurbaz packing before Hasan Ali snaffled up the wicket of Zadran. However, the Pakistan outfit never really went for the kill during this period. 

It was only last week that Afghanistan stumped England by playing out of their skins. The defending champions were forced to surrender tamely as the resolute Afghan team gelled together and utilised the subcontinent conditions to their full effect. 

Many had predicted that Afghanistan would be too hot to handle on the turning pitch against an underfiring Pakistan and that is exactly what transpired. Akin to the England match, the victory against Pakistan did not have the usual ingredients of an upset win as the Afghan side steamrolled the opposition – thereby making the victory, even more sweeter. 

Pakistan fumble and tumble their way to 282

Opting to bat first, Pakistan were off to a solid start, courtesy of Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq as the duo managed 56 runs in the first 10 overs, on what appeared to be a sluggish track. However, soon after the powerplay, Imam fell to a short ball for the third time in the competition, allowing Afghanistan to bring its spinners into the contest. 

Surprising many, Afghanistan went with four spinners into the match and for large parts of the inning, the decision seemingly paid off as well. The scoring rate dipped with the spinners operating but Shafique and Babar Azam forged a fifty runs’ stand for the second wicket. Noor Ahmad, on World Cup debut, struck twice in two overs – as he nipped out two in-form batters, Shafique and Rizwan.

Babar fell while attempting to up the ante. But Shadab and Iftikhar Ahmed provided the much-needed impetus in the final powerplay. The latter survived Rashid and showed his hitting prowess against the pacers. A valuable 27-ball 40 from Iftikhar and a handy 38-ball 40 from Shadab Khan powered Pakistan to 282/7. 

With the win Afghanistan keep alive their hopes of making an improbable place in the top 4 while Pakistan stare at an uphill task from hereon. 

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