PAK vs AFG, ODI World Cup 2023: Afghanistan created history by clinching their second win in the ODI World Cup 2023, their first-ever over Pakistan in ODIs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.

This was only the third victory for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup history. Their first-ever win came against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup while the second came against the defending champions England in this year's edition.

The cricket fraternity was quick to react and laud the effort of the Afghanistan team who picked up a convincing win by eight wickets, chasing down their highest-ever total in ODI history.

Cricket legend and former India batter Sachin Tendulkar also joined others to congratulate the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side and said that the cricket world is taking note of Afghanistan's stellar run at the World Cup in India.

 

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"Afghanistan's performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of outstanding. Their discipline with the bat, the temperament they've shown, and aggressive running between the wickets reflects their hard work. It could possibly be due to a certain Mr. Ajay Jadeja's influence," Tendulkar said referring to his former India teammate who is part of the Afghanistan setup in this World Cup as a team mentor.

"With a formidable bowling lineup, their victories over teams like England and Pakistan indicate the emergence of a new Afghanistan team. The cricket world is taking note. Well done! #PAKvsAFG,” Tendulkar added.

Former India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri also hailed the Afghanistan team for their massive achievement, calling them serious 'Bravehearts'.

"Afghanistan. You are serious BRAVEHEARTS. To beat TWO WORLD CUP WINNERS, current and past is something that will make the world spin around faster. Take a bow, you guys. You have shown the world what you are made of on the biggest stage. Whistle Poddu Chennai. #AFGvsPAK @rashidkhan_19 @cricketworldcup @IC," Sahstri wrote on X.

Talking about the match, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 282/7 in their 50 overs after opting to bat first on the back of skipper Babar Azam's 74-run innings.

Abdullah Shafique continued his brilliant touch with the bat, scoring another half-century with Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed applying the finishing touches.

Chasing the target, Afghanistan were off to a remarkable start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran stitched a 130-run stand, scoring respective half-centuries.

After Gurbaz's dismissal, Zadran continued to attack and went on to score 87 runs before getting dismissed in the 34th over.

Zadran's dismissal was the last success for the Men in Green in the match as Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah took their team to a famous victory with the former also scoring his fifty.

 

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With the second win of the tournament, Afghanistan climbed up to sixth place in the points table with two wins and four points in five matches.

They will face Sri Lanka in their next match at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Monday, October 30.