World Cup 2023, Match 22 | Impact Performer - Ibrahim and Rahmat Shine in Afghanistan's First ODI win over Pakistan
Ibrahim Zadran played a brilliant knock against Pakistan (Source: AP Photos)
Afghanistan's historic victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 was a momentous achievement for the Afghan cricket team. Chasing a target of 283, Afghanistan's top order displayed remarkable composure and skill, securing an eight-wicket win with an over to spare.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided an explosive start, setting the tempo for the chase with their aggressive approach. Gurbaz's brisk 65 off 53 balls and Zadran's steady 87 laid a solid foundation. What followed was a masterful display of batting, with Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi taking charge. Shah's unbeaten 77 and Shahidi's 48 not out ensured that Afghanistan achieved the target with authority.
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Pakistan, despite setting a competitive total of 282/7, found themselves under considerable pressure due to Afghanistan's spin attack, led by Noor Ahmad's excellent performance (3/49). Although Iftikhar Ahmed's late surge provided a glimmer of hope for Pakistan, it ultimately wasn't enough to defend the target. This victory marked a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as it was their first-ever win against Pakistan in men's ODI cricket.
Afghanistan Makes History: Stunning Victory Over Pak in the World Cup
Analyzing Afg's Overs-wise Activity Rate % against Pak. i.e Strike Rotation
Afghanistan's chase began on a high note as Gurbaz found the boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Ibrahim drove Afridi through the covers just three balls later. The two batsmen had a fantastic start, with Ibrahim taking on Hasan Ali, and Gurbaz targeting Haris Rauf, smashing him for four fours in the very first over. This rapid scoring saw Afghanistan reach 60 runs after just nine overs.
Not only were they impressive at hitting boundaries, but their quick running between the wickets was also outstanding. To add to their advantage, Pakistan's fielding was quite sloppy, and they seemed to be all over the place. In just 15.3 overs, Afghanistan crossed the 100-run mark, and by then, both Ibrahim and Gurbaz had reached their fifties. Pakistan only managed to break through in the 22nd over when Afridi got a top edge off Gurbaz's bat, which was safely caught at deep third.
But there was no need to panic. Rahmat joined the action, sticking to his usual hard-working style. Whenever they faced a few dot balls, either Ibrahim or Rahmat would break the deadlock with a boundary. They put on an impressive 60-run partnership for the second wicket before Ibrahim, struggling with cramps, was caught behind for 87.
Any concerns of a collapse or quick wickets were swiftly dismissed by Shahidi and Rahmat. They added an unbeaten 96 runs for the third wicket, never giving Pakistan a chance. The calm and composed manner in which they handled the chase was the most remarkable aspect of their performance.
Conclusion
The activity rate percentages for Afghanistan's innings against Pakistan tell a compelling story of their pursuit. In the initial 10 overs, they started cautiously, with an activity rate of 18.33%, indicating a balance between finding boundaries and running quick singles and twos. As the innings progressed, particularly in the 20 to 30-over phase, their activity surged to 48.33%, signifying a more aggressive approach.
However, the following 10 overs saw a slight dip in activity to 36.67%, possibly due to the need for consolidation after losing a wicket. But in the final 10 overs, Afghanistan was back in full swing, with an activity rate of 57.41%, demonstrating their intent to finish strong.
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