AFG vs PAK: Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets for historic win

In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a historic eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan during the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup held at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. Hashmatullah Shahidi's leadership propelled Afghanistan to chase down a formidable target of 283 runs, marking their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan in eight encounters and the highest-ever successful chase against the "Men in Green."

Afghanistan had previously stunned defending champions England in Delhi and clinched a 69-run victory against Jos Buttler's side. The Afghan team got off to an excellent start as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran formed a solid 130-run opening partnership, with both openers achieving their half-centuries. Pakistan's bowlers faced additional challenges due to their team's lackluster fielding efforts in the initial 20 overs.

Mistakes from Pakistan's wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan and team director Mickey Arthur, as well as complacency from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Hasan Ali in the outfield, contributed to extra boundaries conceded. The Afghanistan openers were steadily progressing until Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Gurbaz for his 65 runs from 53 deliveries in the 22nd over. Rahmat Shah then joined Zadran at the crease, forming a stable partnership.

Zadran, on the brink of a century, scored 87 runs off 113 balls before losing his wicket to Hasan Ali. Rahmat continued with a brilliant half-century, building a partnership of over 90 runs with his captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, to guide Afghanistan to a historic win with six balls to spare.