The spirited Afghans chased down a challenging 283-run target in clinical fashion for an eight-wicket win, which is their first ever against Pakistan in ODIs.Earlier in the tournament, they had also stunned defending champions England.
Their chase was set up by a 130-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87), who was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’.
After Gurbaz and Zadran were dismissed, No. 3 Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (47*) ensured there were no hiccups closer to the finish line. They added 96 runs to take the team to victory.
Watch: Afghan cricket players perform ‘lungi dance’ after beating Pakistan
The euphoric Afghanistan team did a lap of honour to acknowledge the support of the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
“I think the kind of cricket they are playing and with such confidence, they are right in saying that they are not here to win one game and have come here with the aim of qualifying for the knockout stage (semifinals). It’s a good chance for them if they continue to play good cricket,” said Misbah talking on Pakistan news channel ‘A Sports’.
“They have now put fear in the mind of other teams with their X factor. The way Afghanistan beat England and now Pakistan, they have built the pressure on teams who play them next. They would definitely want to capitalise on that, brimming with confidence,” Misbah added.
The win moved Afghanistan to No. 6 on the points table with two wins in five matches, while Pakistan stayed No. 5 with the same results and points, ahead on net run rate.
Afghanistan now have a six-day break before they take on Sri Lanka on October 30, while Pakistan face South Africa on October 27.