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Afghanistan pulled off the highest run chase against Pakistan in World Cups. Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran played the anchor role while Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacked Pakistan bowlers during fielding restrictions. Zadran was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for playing the anchor role and setting up a platform in the run chase. He dedicated the award to Pakistan refugees who were sent back from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
“I am feeling great for myself and my country. I would like to dedicate this (award) to the people who were sent back from Pakistan to Afghanistan," the 21-year-old said in the post-match presentation.
Zadran and Gurbaz shared a 130-run opening partnership, the second-highest for Afghanistan in World Cups for any wicket. Zadran lauded his opening partner for supporting him in the run chase and revealed that the two had shared a good bond since the Under-19 days.
“I wanted to go out there with a positive mind and positive intent, and I did it. We have played a lot of cricket with each other, we have good communication while running between the wickets as we have been playing together since under-16 days. The way Gurbaz supported me - that helped me and we got the momentum in our favour,” he said.
Zadran scored 87 runs from 113 deliveries including 10 fours. He missed a much-deserved century as Hasan Ali induced an outside edge off his bat in the 34th over.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi lauded the openers as he said, “The way Gurbaz and Ibrahim started the innings, they gave that momentum and confidence. The game was in our hand from the beginning till the end.”
Veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi was all praises for the duo as well. The eight-wicket win helped Afghanistan climb to the sixth place in the points table. Earlier, they pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions England in Delhi.
They will go up against Sri Lanka in the next game at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on October 30. So far, Sri Lanka have managed to beat the Netherlands and have suffered three defeats.
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