In a gripping display of batting prowess, Pakistan’s cricket team posted a total of 282/7 against Afghanistan in a nail-biting match on a challenging bone-dry pitch in Chennai. The innings featured Babar Azam’s remarkable 30th ODI fifty and a game-changing cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed, which proved crucial for Pakistan’s strong performance.
The encounter saw an extraordinary 38 overs of spin bowling, marking it as the third-highest recorded in a World Cup match, highlighting the tricky conditions the teams faced.
From the outset, Pakistan showed promise, with Abdullah Shafique smashing a Naveen-ul-Haq delivery for a maximum in the fifth over, marking the first six hit by a Pakistan batter during the PowerPlay in 2023. Both openers, Imam-ul-Haque and Shafique, displayed exceptional skill and composure, crafting a valuable 56-run opening partnership under the favorable batting conditions.
Afghanistan found their footing when Azmatullah Omarzai secured a much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Imam with a familiar short ball caught at midwicket. Shafique continued his impressive World Cup campaign, achieving a fifty off 50 balls, his second in the tournament, along with a century.
Noor Ahmad, replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi, became the game-changer by breaking the 54-run partnership with back-to-back wickets. The young left-arm leggie first trapped Shafique lbw and then induced a top-edge from Mohammad Rizwan, leaving Pakistan grappling with the challenging surface.
Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel provided some respite with a 43-run partnership, but Mohammad Nabi halted their progress by dismissing Shakeel at mid-on, following a flurry of dot balls. Noor Ahmad’s dismissal of Babar in the 42nd over posed a significant threat to Pakistan’s innings. Fortunately, Iftikhar Ahmed came to the rescue, smashing a six off Rashid Khan and going on to take on Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah.
Iftikhar and Shadab Khan, who returned to the side due to Mohammad Nawaz’s illness, formed a dynamic partnership, adding 73 runs for the sixth wicket, a collaboration that could prove crucial in the context of the match.
Notably, Noor Ahmad, the youngest player in this World Cup at just 18, delivered an exceptional performance, taking 3 wickets for 49 runs in his first World Cup match. His contributions were pivotal for Afghanistan, especially as their lead spinner Rashid Khan went wicketless in this thrilling contest.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 282/7 (Babar 74, Iftikhar 40, Shadab 40; Noor 3-49) vs Afghanistan
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Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
