Cricket fraternity reacts to Pakistan's upset loss to Afghanistan

Pakistan men's team suffered a heartbreaking eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in their fifth game of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in Chennai.

Hashmatullah-led side became the first Afghanistan side to claim a win over the Men in Green. This is now their second win of the tournament since they beat England previously.

Meanwhile, from former cricketers, analysts and fans reacted to the defeat, slamming team planning, bowling and captaincy errors.

Earlier, Pakistan put up a total of 283 to chase after opting to bat first. Skipper Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique put up half-centuries before Afghanistan’s teenage leg spinner Noor Ahmad struck twice to put the brakes on the national squad’s progress.

Contributions of 40 runs each from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan propelled Pakistan’s total above 280, rescuing the Green Team from a minor collapse during the middle of their innings when they found themselves four down at 163 runs.

By the end of the first innings, Pakistan scored 282 at the loss of seven wickets.

Afghanistan started the chase strong with Ibrahim and Gurbaz posting a 130-run stand. Shaheen Afridi broke the partnership and provided the breakthrough for Pakistan.

Later, Hasan Ali dismissed Ibrahim, who during the innings became the fastest to 1000 runs for Afghanistan in ODIs.

The Men in Green bowlers were clueless as Rahmat and Shahidi steered Afghanistan to their second win of the tournament.

The national team, with two wins and three defeats, will now play South Africa at the same venue on October 27 while Afghanistan play Sri Lanka on October 30 in Lucknow.

Comments

Submit