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In a significant moment for Pakistan during their World Cup 2023 campaign, Abdullah Shafique broke their six-drought in the first powerplay. This milestone was achieved in their match against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23.
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Until this match, Pakistan had been the only team in the World Cup 2023 to not hit a six in the first 10 overs throughout the calendar year. In contrast, India topped the list with an impressive 46 sixes, with 35 of them being struck by their opener and captain, Rohit Sharma.
The long-awaited moment came after 1,168 deliveries faced by Pakistan's batters in the first powerplay. Abdullah Shafique showcased his power-hitting skills by executing a powerful pull shot, sending a Naveen-ul-Haq short ball soaring into the mid-wicket stands during the 5th over. He further added to Pakistan's six tally in the first 10 overs by dancing down the track and hitting spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman over the long-off boundary in the 8th over. This boost in scoring helped Pakistan cross the 50-run mark in the 8th over, after their skipper Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat.
Interestingly, on the eve of the match against Afghanistan, opener Imam-ul-Haq was asked about Pakistan's inability to hit sixes in the first powerplay. He responded with a cheeky remark, setting the stage for the team's improved performance.
"Maybe we want to eat more proteins and not that much carbs, but it's just that there's nothing we want to talk about it. It's just we really don't feel it if we are not hitting six or not four, it's just that what are we doing for the team?" Imam had said.
The openers, Imam and Abdullah, built on their solid showing against Australia, where both players scored half-centuries during Pakistan's pursuit of a massive target of 368 runs in Bengaluru. While they couldn't convert those fifties into big scores in that match, they made a strong start against Afghanistan in Chennai.
Pakistan made just one change to their lineup, bringing back vice-captain Shadab Khan to replace Mohammad Nawaz, who was unavailable due to illness. On the other hand, Afghanistan opted for left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmed, forming a four-man spin attack for their contest in Chennai.
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