NEW DELHI: The ICC ODI World Cup witnessed a historic moment as Afghanistan stunned former champions Pakistan with an eight-wicket victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.
This remarkable feat left the cricketing world in awe, and even former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, now part of the commentary team, was rendered speechless when the winning runs were scored.
In a viral video capturing the electrifying moment, Waqar Younis was visibly stunned as Afghanistan's captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, struck the winning boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 49th over. His commentary partner, former Zimbabwe pacer Mpumelelo Mbangwa, announced the historic moment with an infectious excitement, but Waqar was at a loss for words. Joining them in the commentary box, former Australia batter Matthew Hayden was equally silent as the magnitude of the victory sank in.
Mpumelelo Mbangwa eloquently conveyed the significance of the moment, remarking on air, "And there it is, the victory, momentous, historic. The first time Afghanistan has won two matches in a World Cup. Absolutely fantastic. A controlled and skillful and dominant run chase against former champions Pakistan. They've doubled up on celebrations."
Afghanistan's monumental victory came as they successfully chased down a challenging 283-run target on a tricky Chennai pitch, securing the win with six balls to spare. This marked their second upset at the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup, following their earlier shock victory over defending champions England by 69 runs.
Pakistan's campaign in the tournament took a difficult turn, with this defeat being their third consecutive loss after commencing with two back-to-back wins. They faced defeats at the hands of India, Australia, and, most shockingly, the Afghan side.
1/10:World Cup: Afghanistan send Pakistan crashing to shock defeat
Reuters
2/10:Afghanistan beat Pakistan
<p>Afghanistan put up a superb batting and bowling display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the Cricket World Cup in Chennai on Monday. </p>Reuters
3/10:283-run target
<p>Chasing a 283-run target, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286-2 in 49 overs. </p>PTI
4/10:Babar Azam
<p>Pakistan had made 282-7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan. </p>TNN
5/10:Highest ODI chase
<p>Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, with a 45-ball 48 not out, hit the winning boundary as Afghanistan improved upon their highest ODI chase of 274 against the UAE in Dubai in 2014.</p>PTI
6/10:Sloppy Pakistan
<p>Pakistan were sloppy in the field as they conceded easy boundaries with openers Zadran and Gurbaz taking their side to 100 in the 16th over. </p>PTI
7/10:130-run stand
<p>Zadran and Gurbaz put on 130 by the 22nd over and it was only a miscued shot from Gurbaz off Shaheen Shah Afridi that brought Pakistan their first wicket. </p>AFP
8/10:Gurbaz and Zadran
<p>Gurbaz hit nine boundaries and a six in his 53-ball knock while Zadran scored 10 boundaries off 113 deliveries before handing a catch behind off Hasan Ali with 93 still needed. </p>PTI
9/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Rahmat and Shahidi ensured Afghanistan did not collapse and Rahmat hit five fours and two sixes in his 84-ball stay at the crease. </p>Reuters
10/10:First-ever ODI win
<p>The win is Afghanistan's first-ever over Pakistan in eight ODIs and came eight days after their shock victory over defending champions England in Delhi. </p>APPakistan's captain, Babar Azam, was candid about the team's emotions, stating, "We are hurt as a team." With three defeats and two wins in five matches, Pakistan now faces a pivotal challenge in their upcoming match against South Africa, set to be held at the same Chennai venue.
The ICC ODI World Cup continues to deliver thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and remarkable performances, captivating cricket enthusiasts around the world.
