<p>Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Afghan Taliban, meanwhile, announced that they have renewed attacks against Pakistani troops along their shared border. Are the two nations headed towards a war? Here's what we know.</p><h2><strong>Pakistan-Afghanistan headed towards a war?</strong></h2><p>Pakistan has already declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's "patience has reached its limit."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-declares-open-war-against-afghanistan-taliban-says-patience-reached-its-limit-1772154130929"><strong>Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan Taliban, says 'patience reached its limit'</strong></a></p><p>He noted that after NATO forces withdrew, Pakistan expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India."</p><p>He added that while Islamabad "made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries," but "attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression".</p><p>"Now it is open war between us and you," he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.”</p><p>Asif also slammed the Taliban government for "depriving" its citizens of "basic human rights," he noted that the government "snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women."</p><h2><strong>Pakistan can ‘crush’ Afghanistan</strong></h2><p>Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Friday, said that his country's armed forces can "crush" aggressors. "Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions," Sharif said, according to the Pakistani government's X page. "The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces," he said.</p><h2><strong>Iran offers to help 'facilitate dialogue' between Afghanistan and Pakistan</strong></h2><p>In light of the heightened tensions, Iran has offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.</p>

Are Afghanistan and Pakistan on the brink of war? After rising border clashes and sharp warnings from Khawaja Asif, tensions have surged between Islamabad and the Taliban.Is this escalation temporary or something bigger? Scroll down to read more.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (Feb 27) reached a boiling point with Islamabad carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Afghan Taliban, meanwhile, announced that they have renewed attacks against Pakistani troops along their shared border. Are the two nations headed towards a war? Here's what we know. Pakistan-Afghanistan headed towards a war? Pakistan has already declared "open war" against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities. On Friday (Feb 27) Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, said that Islamabad's "patience has reached its limit." Also read | Pakistan declares 'open war' against Afghanistan Taliban, says 'patience reached its limit' He noted that after NATO forces withdrew, Pakistan expected that there would be peace in Afghanistan and that the Taliban would prioritise the well-being of the Afghan people and regional stability. However, he claimed that instead, Afghanistan has become “a colony of India." He added that while Islamabad "made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries," but "attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression". "Now it is open war between us and you," he said, adding, "Now it will be ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’.” Asif also slammed the Taliban government for "depriving" its citizens of "basic human rights," he noted that the government "snatched away the rights that Islam grants to women." Pakistan can ‘crush’ Afghanistan Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Friday, said that his country's armed forces can "crush" aggressors. "Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions," Sharif said, according to the Pakistani government's X page. "The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces," he said. Iran offers to help 'facilitate dialogue' between Afghanistan and Pakistan In light of the heightened tensions, Iran has offered to help "facilitate dialogue" to resolve the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.

<p>Are Afghanistan and Pakistan on the brink of war? After rising border clashes and sharp warnings from Khawaja Asif, tensions have surged between Islamabad and the Taliban.</p><p>Is this escalation temporary or something bigger? Scroll down to read more.</p>

Are Afghanistan and Pakistan headed for a war? Here's what we know

China has deep stakes in both Afghanistan (minerals) and Pakistan (CPEC). A regional war could push Beijing to strengthen its “Iron Brotherhood” with Pakistan, isolating India strategically unless it counters through US or QUAD ties.

7 ways a war between Pakistan–Afghanistan could impact India

<p>Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire," announced Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday (Oct 19). This comes after days of deadly cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and threatened to unravel already fragile ties between the neighbours. The breakthrough came after emergency talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at halting the spiral of violence along the border. Qatar’s foreign ministry, in a statement, announced early Sunday that "During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries."</p><p>The statement added that follow-up meetings would be held in the coming days to ensure the truce holds and to verify its implementation.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-ridiculous-question-trump-dodges-question-on-whether-he-ordered-cia-to-take-out-maduro-1760590458951"><strong>‘Ridiculous question’: Trump dodges question on whether he ordered CIA to 'take out' Maduro</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Pakistan confirms ceasefire</strong></h2><p>Islamabad’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik. The Afghan side was represented by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, son of the Taliban’s late founder Mullah Omar. Following the Doha meeting, Pakistan minister Asif confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached and that the two nations would meet again in Istanbul on October 25.</p><p>"Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop," Asif said in a social media post, adding that "neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jd-vance-blurts-out-trump-admin-s-alarming-new-mission-retrain-entire-government-to-target-the-left-1760597060433"><strong>JD Vance blurts out Trump admin’s alarming new mission: ‘Retrain entire government’ to target the Left</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes</strong></h2><p>The Doha meeting followed a wave of Pakistani airstrikes late Friday that Kabul said killed at least ten civilians, including two children, in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Local officials told AFP that three cricket players were among the dead. Pakistan’s military sources, however, said the strikes were aimed at a militant faction linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that had launched a recent attack on paramilitary troops inside Pakistan.</p><p>The violence erupted on October 11, just days after bomb blasts shook Kabul during an unprecedented visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Muttaqi — a visit that Pakistan viewed with suspicion. The Taliban responded to Pakistan’s strikes by mobilising forces along the southern border, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations. Kabul has long denied Islamabad’s claims that it harbours the Pakistani Taliban, while Pakistan insists the TTP uses Afghan territory as a base for attacks.</p>

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire after deadly cross-border clashes, announced Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday (Oct 19).

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an "immediate ceasefire," announced Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday (Oct 19). This comes after days of deadly cross-border clashes that left dozens dead and threatened to unravel already fragile ties between the neighbours. The breakthrough came after emergency talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at halting the spiral of violence along the border. Qatar’s foreign ministry, in a statement, announced early Sunday that "During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries." The statement added that follow-up meetings would be held in the coming days to ensure the truce holds and to verify its implementation. Also read | ‘Ridiculous question’: Trump dodges question on whether he ordered CIA to 'take out' Maduro Pakistan confirms ceasefire Islamabad’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik. The Afghan side was represented by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, son of the Taliban’s late founder Mullah Omar. Following the Doha meeting, Pakistan minister Asif confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached and that the two nations would meet again in Istanbul on October 25. "Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop," Asif said in a social media post, adding that "neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty". Also read | JD Vance blurts out Trump admin’s alarming new mission: ‘Retrain entire government’ to target the Left Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes The Doha meeting followed a wave of Pakistani airstrikes late Friday that Kabul said killed at least ten civilians, including two children, in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Local officials told AFP that three cricket players were among the dead. Pakistan’s military sources, however, said the strikes were aimed at a militant faction linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that had launched a recent attack on paramilitary troops inside Pakistan. The violence erupted on October 11, just days after bomb blasts shook Kabul during an unprecedented visit to India by Taliban foreign minister Amir Muttaqi — a visit that Pakistan viewed with suspicion. The Taliban responded to Pakistan’s strikes by mobilising forces along the southern border, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations. Kabul has long denied Islamabad’s claims that it harbours the Pakistani Taliban, while Pakistan insists the TTP uses Afghan territory as a base for attacks.

<p>Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire after deadly cross-border clashes, announced Qatar’s foreign ministry on Sunday (Oct 19).</p>

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to ‘immediate ceasefire’ after deadly airstrikes, says Qatar

<p>Pakistan's cricket board (PCB) announced on Sunday (Sep 7) it will host a Twenty20 international tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in November, as teams get ready for next year's World Cup.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The series has been organised to provide all teams with valuable preparation ahead of next year's Men's T20 World Cup, to be staged in India and Sri Lanka," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blast-at-cricket-stadium-in-pakistan-kills-one-person-several-injured-police-1757180411352"><strong>Blast at cricket stadium in Pakistan kills one person, several injured: Police</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The tri-series will begin on November 17 with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi stadium.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This will be the first time Pakistan play neighbours Afghanistan in a T20I match on home soil, the PCB said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Afghanistan have played two one-day internationals in the Asia Cup 2023 and three in this year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but they involved opponents other than the home team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-to-boycott-women-odi-world-cup-2025-opening-ceremony-in-india-report-1757164681460"><strong>Pakistan to boycott Women’s ODI World Cup opening ceremony in India – Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Before the tri-series, Pakistan will host South Africa in a bilateral series of two Tests, three one-day internationals (ODIs) and as many T20Is from October 12 to November 8.</p><h3>Tri-series T20I schedule:</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>17 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi</li><li>19 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi</li><li>22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Lahore</li><li>23 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Lahore</li><li>25 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Lahore</li><li>27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Lahore</li><li>29 November – Final, Lahore</li></ul><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

The T20I tri-series will begin on November 17 with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi stadium.

Pakistan's cricket board (PCB) announced on Sunday (Sep 7) it will host a Twenty20 international tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in November, as teams get ready for next year's World Cup. "The series has been organised to provide all teams with valuable preparation ahead of next year's Men's T20 World Cup, to be staged in India and Sri Lanka," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. Also read | Blast at cricket stadium in Pakistan kills one person, several injured: Police The tri-series will begin on November 17 with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi stadium. This will be the first time Pakistan play neighbours Afghanistan in a T20I match on home soil, the PCB said. Afghanistan have played two one-day internationals in the Asia Cup 2023 and three in this year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but they involved opponents other than the home team. Read More | Pakistan to boycott Women’s ODI World Cup opening ceremony in India – Report Before the tri-series, Pakistan will host South Africa in a bilateral series of two Tests, three one-day internationals (ODIs) and as many T20Is from October 12 to November 8. Tri-series T20I schedule: 17 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi 19 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Rawalpindi 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Lahore 23 November – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Lahore 25 November – Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Lahore 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Lahore 29 November – Final, Lahore Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>The T20I tri-series will begin on November 17 with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi stadium.</p>

Pakistan to host Afghanistan, Sri Lanka for T20I tri-series in November; check schedule

<p>Former Pakistan batter Mohammed Yousuf has made a big claim. Yousuf revealed that Babar Azam cried after Pakistan's shocking eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in match 22 of the ODI World Cup in India on Monday (Oct&nbsp;23). Under Babar, Pakistan are now on the brink of an early exit with three back-to-back big defeats in five games.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'It's not only Babar's fault, the entire team and management is involved'</strong></h2>

<p>Yousuf claimed while talking on a Pakistani TV show, "I heard Babar Azam cried after the defeat against Afghanistan last night. It's not only Babar's fault, the entire team and management is involved. We are with Babar Azam in this tough time and the entire nation is with him."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eating-8-kg-mutton-every-day-akram-slams-babar-led-pakistans-fitness-after-world-cup-loss-to-afghanistan-650589">'Eating 8 kg mutton every day': Akram SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan's fitness after World Cup loss to Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Opting to bat first, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Babar &amp; Co. posted 282 for 7 riding on the captain's 74 and Abdullah Shafique's 58. In reply, Afghanistan chased down the total in 49 overs with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahid (48*) starring with the bat.</p>

<p>After this loss, Pakistan remain at the fifth spot but have a herculean task to qualify for the semi-finals. They need to win all their remaining games, improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) significantly and might also have to depend on&nbsp;other results to go their way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle&nbsp;overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match. In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets. All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding."</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see how Babar responds and leads Pakistan in their remaining games with a lot of questions being raised&nbsp;on his leadership.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former Pakistan batter Mohammed Yousuf has made a big claim. Yousuf revealed that Babar Azam cried after Pakistan's shocking eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in match 22 of the ODI World Cup in India on Monday (Oct 23).

Former Pakistan batter Mohammed Yousuf has made a big claim. Yousuf revealed that Babar Azam cried after Pakistan's shocking eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in match 22 of the ODI World Cup in India on Monday (Oct 23). Under Babar, Pakistan are now on the brink of an early exit with three back-to-back big defeats in five games. 'It's not only Babar's fault, the entire team and management is involved' Yousuf claimed while talking on a Pakistani TV show, "I heard Babar Azam cried after the defeat against Afghanistan last night. It's not only Babar's fault, the entire team and management is involved. We are with Babar Azam in this tough time and the entire nation is with him." Also read: 'Eating 8 kg mutton every day': Akram SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan's fitness after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Opting to bat first, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Babar & Co. posted 282 for 7 riding on the captain's 74 and Abdullah Shafique's 58. In reply, Afghanistan chased down the total in 49 overs with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahid (48*) starring with the bat. After this loss, Pakistan remain at the fifth spot but have a herculean task to qualify for the semi-finals. They need to win all their remaining games, improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) significantly and might also have to depend on other results to go their way. After the match, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match. In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets. All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding." It will be interesting to see how Babar responds and leads Pakistan in their remaining games with a lot of questions being raised on his leadership. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Heard Babar Azam cried...': Mohammad Yousuf's BIG claim after Pakistan's ODI World Cup loss to Afghanistan

<p>Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has slammed Babar Azam for his insipid captaincy during the loss against arch-rivals Afghanistan in the World Cup encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan lost the game despite posting a challenging target of 283 with a handy 74-run contribution coming from Babar. During the defence, Babar looked devoid of ideas as the field placements allowed Afghan batters to bat themselves into form and eventually coast to a historic victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the captain's job to apply pressure, a pacer is bowling and there is no slip? Four are required on 12 balls and you've taken backward point? Apply pressure. What do the Australians do? They take one to two wickets and then put all of their players in the circle to apply pressure, like they did against Pakistan,” Shahid Afridi was quoted as saying by a local sports show.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Pakistan captain said if an individual was the captain of the national team, they needed to take both praise and criticism in their stride.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Captaining your national side is a matter of honour, but it is not a bed of roses. When you do good, everyone praises you and when you don't, everyone blames you as well as the head coach," Afridi added.</p>

<p>Afridi said the men-in-green were guilty of 'waiting for miracles in the field' as they were not thinking positively.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Babar laments the loss&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the defeat, Babar, during the post-match ceremony said Pakistan were not up to the mark yet again, with fielding letting them down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we weren't up to the mark as we are not taking wickets in the middle&nbsp;overs. If you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the game," said Babar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shaheen-rizwan-sarfaraz-in-fray-to-replace-babar-azam-as-pakistan-captain-post-odi-wc-report-650971"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Shaheen, Rizwan, Sarfaraz in fray to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain post ODI WC: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>"We didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the loss against Afghanistan, Pakistan succumbed to their&nbsp;third consecutive defeat in the tournament after starting the campaign brightly. With a tough fixtures run-in coming, Pakistan can ill-afford to slip up as even one defeat would mean the end of their World Cup dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has slammed Babar Azam for his insipid captaincy during the loss against arch-rivals Afghanistan in the World Cup encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has slammed Babar Azam for his insipid captaincy during the loss against arch-rivals Afghanistan in the World Cup encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Pakistan lost the game despite posting a challenging target of 283 with a handy 74-run contribution coming from Babar. During the defence, Babar looked devoid of ideas as the field placements allowed Afghan batters to bat themselves into form and eventually coast to a historic victory. "It is the captain's job to apply pressure, a pacer is bowling and there is no slip? Four are required on 12 balls and you've taken backward point? Apply pressure. What do the Australians do? They take one to two wickets and then put all of their players in the circle to apply pressure, like they did against Pakistan,” Shahid Afridi was quoted as saying by a local sports show. The former Pakistan captain said if an individual was the captain of the national team, they needed to take both praise and criticism in their stride. "Captaining your national side is a matter of honour, but it is not a bed of roses. When you do good, everyone praises you and when you don't, everyone blames you as well as the head coach," Afridi added. Afridi said the men-in-green were guilty of 'waiting for miracles in the field' as they were not thinking positively. Babar laments the loss After the defeat, Babar, during the post-match ceremony said Pakistan were not up to the mark yet again, with fielding letting them down. "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we weren't up to the mark as we are not taking wickets in the middle overs. If you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the game," said Babar. Also read | Shaheen, Rizwan, Sarfaraz in fray to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain post ODI WC: Report "We didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any," he added. With the loss against Afghanistan, Pakistan succumbed to their third consecutive defeat in the tournament after starting the campaign brightly. With a tough fixtures run-in coming, Pakistan can ill-afford to slip up as even one defeat would mean the end of their World Cup dream. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: 'Not a bed of roses', Shahid Afridi slams Babar Azam for poor captaincy during Afg defeat

<p>Pakistan's World Cup campaign hangs by a thread after a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Afghanistan on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Babar Azam-led team was played out of the park by a resolute Afghan side which did not put a foot wrong throughout the match.</p>

<p>After the defeat, which was their third consecutive loss of the campaign, Pakistan now find themselves nestled in a mid-table jam with Australia and Afghanistan - hoping to secure a top 4 spot for the knockouts. All three teams have four points but Australia have a game in hand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While teams beneath viz. Bangladesh, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, England also have a realistic chance of leapfrogging Pakistan as they all have won one match and played a game less.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-afghanistan-batter-thanks-former-indian-cricketer-for-win-against-england-647888"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Afghanistan batter thanks former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja for win against England</strong></a></p>

<p>Realistically, for most teams, knocking India and New Zealand off the top of the points table seems like a foregone conclusion. The men-in-green have four points in the kitty, which is six and four points less than what India and New Zealand have conjured, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South Africa occupy the third spot with six points and barring a tremendous dip in form, look highly unlikely to leave the position, which effectively means, seven teams are in contention to secure the last remaining spot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan has to go all out</strong></h2>

<p>With the permutations and combinations in mind, Pakistan need to win all their remaining four matches to stand a good chance of qualifying for the knockouts. Pakistan missed out on a place in the semifinals during the 2019 World Cup despite securing 11 points and having five wins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With rain expected to not have a major say going ahead in the tournament, Pakistan need six wins to qualify or hope that other results fall in their favour. Apart from the wins, Pakistan will have to recharge their Net Run Rate which is in the negative territory right now. The team lost out on the semifinals in the previous edition, solely due to a poor NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-formidable-afghanistan-stun-pakistan-by-8-wickets-secure-second-win-of-campaign-650409"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign</strong></a></p>

<p>However, to go on a run of four consecutive wins would require a tremendous turnaround from the subcontinent team. They have a tough run of fixtures coming up with South Africa arriving in Chennai, followed by Bangladesh in Kolkata, New Zealand in Bengaluru and England in Kolkata yet again. A single slip-up and Pakistan will have to pack their bags and catch a return flight home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Pakistan's World Cup campaign hangs by a thread after a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Afghanistan on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pakistan's World Cup campaign hangs by a thread after a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Afghanistan on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Babar Azam-led team was played out of the park by a resolute Afghan side which did not put a foot wrong throughout the match. After the defeat, which was their third consecutive loss of the campaign, Pakistan now find themselves nestled in a mid-table jam with Australia and Afghanistan - hoping to secure a top 4 spot for the knockouts. All three teams have four points but Australia have a game in hand. While teams beneath viz. Bangladesh, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, England also have a realistic chance of leapfrogging Pakistan as they all have won one match and played a game less. Also read | World Cup 2023: Afghanistan batter thanks former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja for win against England Realistically, for most teams, knocking India and New Zealand off the top of the points table seems like a foregone conclusion. The men-in-green have four points in the kitty, which is six and four points less than what India and New Zealand have conjured, respectively. Meanwhile, South Africa occupy the third spot with six points and barring a tremendous dip in form, look highly unlikely to leave the position, which effectively means, seven teams are in contention to secure the last remaining spot. Pakistan has to go all out With the permutations and combinations in mind, Pakistan need to win all their remaining four matches to stand a good chance of qualifying for the knockouts. Pakistan missed out on a place in the semifinals during the 2019 World Cup despite securing 11 points and having five wins. With rain expected to not have a major say going ahead in the tournament, Pakistan need six wins to qualify or hope that other results fall in their favour. Apart from the wins, Pakistan will have to recharge their Net Run Rate which is in the negative territory right now. The team lost out on the semifinals in the previous edition, solely due to a poor NRR. Also read | World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign However, to go on a run of four consecutive wins would require a tremendous turnaround from the subcontinent team. They have a tough run of fixtures coming up with South Africa arriving in Chennai, followed by Bangladesh in Kolkata, New Zealand in Bengaluru and England in Kolkata yet again. A single slip-up and Pakistan will have to pack their bags and catch a return flight home. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: How can Pakistan still qualify for semifinal after defeat vs Afghanistan?

<p>Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets in chase of 283 in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. After Babar Azam-led Men in Green opted to bat first, they&nbsp;rode on Babar's 74, Abdullah Shafique's 58 and 40 apiece from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 282 for 7 with Noor Ahmed (3 for 49) and Naveen-ul-Haq sharing five wickets&nbsp;between them. In reply, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghans chased down the score in 49 overs with eight wickets in hand.</p>

<p>Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and captain Shahidi (48*) took the side to a famous win as the Asian team now has two wins from five games in the ten-team tournament. After the win, Afghan cricketers and their fans as well as&nbsp;former players reacted to the triumph. Here are all the reactions on social media platform X.</p>

<p><strong>Here is a clip of&nbsp;the dressing room celebrations:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations! Our team emerged triumphant n an epic battle against 🇵🇰 ending a long-awaited victory drought. It was a true test of skills &amp; teamwork. All showcased thr immense tlnt &amp; unwavering dedication. Let's celebrate ds 2gether n d glory of our great 🏏 team &amp; people🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/d1ZMVqgIM2">pic.twitter.com/d1ZMVqgIM2</a></p>
— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadNabi007/status/1716506792912650538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq were over the moon:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no better feeling than this 💙🇦🇫<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICC</a> <a href="https://t.co/OQ4i4PDa4h">pic.twitter.com/OQ4i4PDa4h</a></p>
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1716514966940058026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you India 🇮🇳 for Your Support 🫂❤ Love you Chennai!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvsPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/aBGsxMIW6J">pic.twitter.com/aBGsxMIW6J</a></p>
— Naveen Ul Haq Murid (@imnaveenUlHaq_) <a href="https://twitter.com/imnaveenUlHaq_/status/1716515151908831478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc-23-player-of-the-match-zadran-dedicates-award-to-people-whom-pakistan-sent-back-to-afghanistan-650502">CWC '23: Player-of-the-Match Zadran dedicates award to ‘people whom Pakistan sent back to Afghanistan’</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Sachin Tendulkar and others laud Afghanistan:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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.… <a href="https://t.co/12FaLICQPs">pic.twitter.com/12FaLICQPs</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1716505320556757286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rasid khan fulfilled his promise and I fulfilled mine. Well done guys <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashidkhan_19</a> <a href="https://t.co/DKPU0jWBz9">pic.twitter.com/DKPU0jWBz9</a></p>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1716497137486135527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This isn't an upset... it's an uprise!<a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACBofficials</a> 👏🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvsAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvsAFG</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1716492856142266608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tough pill to swallow for Pakistan but trust me this is not an upset. Afg came close to beating Pak in recent times as well but got over the line today thanks to top batting effort by the top 4. Very well played <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACBofficials</a> 👏🏽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/gquQ7fE5Ps">pic.twitter.com/gquQ7fE5Ps</a></p>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1716492510024077362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>FANS GO BERSERK</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The dance and Celebrations of Afghanistan tean and fans after won the match against Pakistan.<br />
<br />
- Historic moments for Afghanistan and their fans...!!! <a href="https://t.co/G3HEVvzCP6">pic.twitter.com/G3HEVvzCP6</a></p>
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImTanujSingh/status/1716642990578655527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Famous Scenes today in Chennai<br />
-Irfan Pathan dance with Rashid Khan<br />
- Ajay Jadeja owning Pakistan again<br />
-Indian and afghanistan fans dancing together outside Chepauk<a href="https://t.co/bthKsoekvZ">pic.twitter.com/bthKsoekvZ</a></p>
— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) <a href="https://twitter.com/Delphy06/status/1716568214598021273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>IRFAN CELEBRATES WITH RASHID &amp; CO.</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">🎵 𝘑𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘫𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯. 💙<a href="https://t.co/ILMboJlItK">pic.twitter.com/ILMboJlItK</a></p>
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucknowIPL/status/1716507659166450177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>After the loss, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle&nbsp;overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match."</p>

<p>"In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets," said Babar&nbsp;about the shortcomings the team is facing.</p>

<p>"All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding. We'll try our best in the next match. We didn't hit the lengths in the middle overs, especially our spinners. We couldn't put pressure on the batters," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a jubilant Afghan skipper Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also."</p>

<p>At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive&nbsp;cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup. The spin bowling department did very well. We gave a chance to Noor and trusted in him, he showed his talent. 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. The last partnership that me and Rahmat played was also good."</p>

<p>Pakistan remain in the fifth spot (four points) after their third defeat on the trot whereas Afghanistan are now in the sixth position.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets in chase of 283 in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. After Babar Azam-led Men in Green opted to bat first, they rode on Babar's 74, Abdullah Shafique's 58 and 40 apiece from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 282 for 7 with Noor Ahmed (3 for 49) and Naveen-ul-Haq sharing five wickets between them.

Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets in chase of 283 in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. After Babar Azam-led Men in Green opted to bat first, they rode on Babar's 74, Abdullah Shafique's 58 and 40 apiece from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 282 for 7 with Noor Ahmed (3 for 49) and Naveen-ul-Haq sharing five wickets between them. In reply, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghans chased down the score in 49 overs with eight wickets in hand. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and captain Shahidi (48*) took the side to a famous win as the Asian team now has two wins from five games in the ten-team tournament. After the win, Afghan cricketers and their fans as well as former players reacted to the triumph. Here are all the reactions on social media platform X. Here is a clip of the dressing room celebrations: Congratulations! Our team emerged triumphant n an epic battle against 🇵🇰 ending a long-awaited victory drought. It was a true test of skills & teamwork. All showcased thr immense tlnt & unwavering dedication. Let's celebrate ds 2gether n d glory of our great 🏏 team & people🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/d1ZMVqgIM2 — Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) October 23, 2023 × Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq were over the moon: There is no better feeling than this 💙🇦🇫#CWC23 #ICC pic.twitter.com/OQ4i4PDa4h — Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 23, 2023 × Thank you India 🇮🇳 for Your Support 🫂❤ Love you Chennai!! #AFGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/aBGsxMIW6J — Naveen Ul Haq Murid (@imnaveenUlHaq_) October 23, 2023 × Also read: CWC '23: Player-of-the-Match Zadran dedicates award to ‘people whom Pakistan sent back to Afghanistan’ Sachin Tendulkar and others laud Afghanistan: 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.… pic.twitter.com/12FaLICQPs — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 23, 2023 × Rasid khan fulfilled his promise and I fulfilled mine. Well done guys @ICC @rashidkhan_19 pic.twitter.com/DKPU0jWBz9 — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2023 × This isn't an upset... it's an uprise!@ACBofficials 👏🏻#PAKvsAFG — DK (@DineshKarthik) October 23, 2023 × Tough pill to swallow for Pakistan but trust me this is not an upset. Afg came close to beating Pak in recent times as well but got over the line today thanks to top batting effort by the top 4. Very well played @ACBofficials 👏🏽 #PAKvAFG #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/gquQ7fE5Ps — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 23, 2023 × FANS GO BERSERK The dance and Celebrations of Afghanistan tean and fans after won the match against Pakistan. - Historic moments for Afghanistan and their fans...!!! pic.twitter.com/G3HEVvzCP6 — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 24, 2023 × Famous Scenes today in Chennai -Irfan Pathan dance with Rashid Khan - Ajay Jadeja owning Pakistan again -Indian and afghanistan fans dancing together outside Chepaukpic.twitter.com/bthKsoekvZ — ICT Fan (@Delphy06) October 23, 2023 × IRFAN CELEBRATES WITH RASHID & CO. 🎵 𝘑𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘫𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯. 💙pic.twitter.com/ILMboJlItK — Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) October 23, 2023 × After the loss, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match." "In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets," said Babar about the shortcomings the team is facing. "All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding. We'll try our best in the next match. We didn't hit the lengths in the middle overs, especially our spinners. We couldn't put pressure on the batters," he added. Meanwhile, a jubilant Afghan skipper Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also." At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup. The spin bowling department did very well. We gave a chance to Noor and trusted in him, he showed his talent. 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. The last partnership that me and Rahmat played was also good." Pakistan remain in the fifth spot (four points) after their third defeat on the trot whereas Afghanistan are now in the sixth position. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Isn't an upset, it's an uprise': SRT & others react; Afghanistan fans & players celebrate win vs Pakistan

<p>On Monday (Oct 23), Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets, in pursuit of 283, to register their first-ever ODI win during match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition. Opting to bat first, Pakistan rode on Abdullah Shafique's 58, captain Babar Azam's 74 and 40 each from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 282 for 7 with Noor Ahmed claiming 3 for 49.&nbsp;In reply, the Afghans rode on&nbsp;Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 65, Ibrahim Zadran's 87, Rahmat Shah's 77* and Hashmatullah Shahidi's unbeaten 48 to chase down 283&nbsp;in 49 overs, without dropping much sweat.</p>

<p>After the match, opener Zadran was awarded the Player-of-the-Match for his impressive 87 (113), laced with 10 fours. At the post-match presentation, the opener made heads turn as he dedicated his award to the people of the country as well as the Afghans who are being deported from Pakistan. He said, "First of all, I am very thankful to the almighty that I performed well in this kind of big tournament. I wanted to go there and bat longer to score runs for my side. I feel very glad for myself and for my country."</p>

<p>“Many times I and Gurbaz added big partnerships. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator,” Zadran stated.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Epic : Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran dedicated his Man of the Match award to the Afghani refugees evicted by Pakistan...<br />
<br />
Double blow to Pakistanis 🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/YVEZUbmVcJ">pic.twitter.com/YVEZUbmVcJ</a></p>
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSinha_/status/1716498356418281785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-how-can-pakistan-still-qualify-for-semifinal-after-defeat-vs-afghanistan-650439">World Cup 2023: How can Pakistan still qualify for semifinal after defeat vs Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, "I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those people whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan,” said Zadran.</p>

<p>Zadran's comments went viral in no time. This comes in the backdrop of Pakistan asking all undocumented refugees to leave the country by Nov 1, which has impacted 1.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan. Moreover, the decision has met with severe criticism from Taliban-ruled Afghans with Kabul calling it "unacceptable".</p>

<p>Talking about Shahidi-led Afghans, they secured their second win in five games of the ongoing World Cup in India. Pakistan remain in the fifth spot, with three successive wins, whereas Afghanistan are right behind them (at sixth) after two big wins -&nbsp;beating defending champions England and Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


On Monday (Oct 23), Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets, in pursuit of 283, to register their first-ever ODI win during match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition.

On Monday (Oct 23), Afghanistan stunned Pakistan by eight wickets, in pursuit of 283, to register their first-ever ODI win during match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition. Opting to bat first, Pakistan rode on Abdullah Shafique's 58, captain Babar Azam's 74 and 40 each from Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed to post 282 for 7 with Noor Ahmed claiming 3 for 49. In reply, the Afghans rode on Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 65, Ibrahim Zadran's 87, Rahmat Shah's 77* and Hashmatullah Shahidi's unbeaten 48 to chase down 283 in 49 overs, without dropping much sweat. After the match, opener Zadran was awarded the Player-of-the-Match for his impressive 87 (113), laced with 10 fours. At the post-match presentation, the opener made heads turn as he dedicated his award to the people of the country as well as the Afghans who are being deported from Pakistan. He said, "First of all, I am very thankful to the almighty that I performed well in this kind of big tournament. I wanted to go there and bat longer to score runs for my side. I feel very glad for myself and for my country." “Many times I and Gurbaz added big partnerships. We have a good understanding between us. We have played together since the Under-16 stages. He is a good motivator,” Zadran stated. Epic : Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran dedicated his Man of the Match award to the Afghani refugees evicted by Pakistan... Double blow to Pakistanis 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/YVEZUbmVcJ — Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) October 23, 2023 × Also read: World Cup 2023: How can Pakistan still qualify for semifinal after defeat vs Afghanistan He added, "I want to dedicate this player of the match award to those people whom Pakistan have sent back to Afghanistan,” said Zadran. Zadran's comments went viral in no time. This comes in the backdrop of Pakistan asking all undocumented refugees to leave the country by Nov 1, which has impacted 1.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan. Moreover, the decision has met with severe criticism from Taliban-ruled Afghans with Kabul calling it "unacceptable". Talking about Shahidi-led Afghans, they secured their second win in five games of the ongoing World Cup in India. Pakistan remain in the fifth spot, with three successive wins, whereas Afghanistan are right behind them (at sixth) after two big wins - beating defending champions England and Pakistan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CWC '23: Player-of-the-Match Zadran dedicates award to ‘people whom Pakistan sent back to Afghanistan’

<p>Pakistan suffered a humiliating eight-wicket loss at the hands of Afghanistan in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With this defeat, Pakistan have now lost three matches on the trot after a brilliant start to the ten-team tournament with two successive wins. Thus, they are now on the brink of an early elimination if they don't get their act together.</p>

<p>Captain Babar is under tremendous pressure after the loss. A lot has been said on his slow batting and captaincy after defeats to India, Australia and now Afghanistan. Post the defeat to the Afghans, Babar brushed aside any pressure of captaincy and batting on him.</p>

<h2><strong>'I try to give my best in batting. I am 100% and I have been doing that'</strong></h2>

<p>In the post-match press conference, Babar said, "As far as the captaincy is concerned, I don't have much pressure on me or on my batting. I try to give my best in batting. I am 100% and I have been doing that. During fielding, I think about captaincy and during batting I just think about the batting. How should I run and how I should run for the team."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/head-coach-jonathan-trott-lauds-afghanistan-players-in-inspiring-speech-after-win-over-pakistan-watch-650644">Head coach Jonathan Trott lauds Afghanistan players in INSPIRING speech after win over Pakistan - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>With the Afghanistan defeat, things aren't looking bright for Pakistan who now have to win all their remaining four games. On their qualification chances, Babar opined, "You never know. It's cricket. Anything can happen. We will try to play our best cricket till the end. There are a lot of matches left, we will try to win all the matches. We will try to overcome our mistakes".</p>

<p>Babar highlighted&nbsp;that Pakistan is missing injured Naseem Shah in their WC campaign but their main issue has been them not playing a complete game with equal contribution from all departments. "We are missing Naseem a lot. But apart from that, our bowling lineup is one of the best. But I think we are not able to click. Sometimes we do well in bowling, we don't do well in batting. When we do well in batting, we don't do it in fielding,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan's remaining games are against defending champions England, South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Thus, they won't have it easy in any of the upcoming games and have to revamp sooner than later.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan suffered a humiliating eight-wicket loss at the hands of Afghanistan in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating eight-wicket loss at the hands of Afghanistan in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With this defeat, Pakistan have now lost three matches on the trot after a brilliant start to the ten-team tournament with two successive wins. Thus, they are now on the brink of an early elimination if they don't get their act together. Captain Babar is under tremendous pressure after the loss. A lot has been said on his slow batting and captaincy after defeats to India, Australia and now Afghanistan. Post the defeat to the Afghans, Babar brushed aside any pressure of captaincy and batting on him. 'I try to give my best in batting. I am 100% and I have been doing that' In the post-match press conference, Babar said, "As far as the captaincy is concerned, I don't have much pressure on me or on my batting. I try to give my best in batting. I am 100% and I have been doing that. During fielding, I think about captaincy and during batting I just think about the batting. How should I run and how I should run for the team." Also read: Head coach Jonathan Trott lauds Afghanistan players in INSPIRING speech after win over Pakistan - Watch With the Afghanistan defeat, things aren't looking bright for Pakistan who now have to win all their remaining four games. On their qualification chances, Babar opined, "You never know. It's cricket. Anything can happen. We will try to play our best cricket till the end. There are a lot of matches left, we will try to win all the matches. We will try to overcome our mistakes". Babar highlighted that Pakistan is missing injured Naseem Shah in their WC campaign but their main issue has been them not playing a complete game with equal contribution from all departments. "We are missing Naseem a lot. But apart from that, our bowling lineup is one of the best. But I think we are not able to click. Sometimes we do well in bowling, we don't do well in batting. When we do well in batting, we don't do it in fielding,” he added. Pakistan's remaining games are against defending champions England, South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Thus, they won't have it easy in any of the upcoming games and have to revamp sooner than later. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CWC '23: Is Babar Azam under captaincy pressure? Pakistan skipper reveals post Afghanistan loss

<p>Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green posted 282 for 7 with Babar (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) being the top-scorers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan batters, after Noor Ahmed's 3 for 49 and two strikes from Naveen-ul-Haq, then completed the run-chase in 49 overs with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) standing tall. After the historic win, Afghanistan head coach and former English batter Jonathan Trott lauded his troops in an inspiring dressing room speech. He hailed the collective effort of the entire XI and asked them to enjoy the win but also get ready for the upcoming challenges.</p>

<p>In a video shared by Afghanistan Cricket Board on Instagram, Trott said, "There's a lot of emotions, a lot of passion. That's great. Let's just make sure we enjoy tonight. Make sure we look after each other. Let's make sure we enjoy this. Let's take the confidence from this. Enjoy tonight. I think Nabi. 10 overs&nbsp;for 31. Well, done. Noor, first World Cup game three wickets, well done."</p>

<p>"Our batters, I thought the way that we started, Ibrahim and Gurbaz I thought that was outstanding. That's world-class batting. You guys played cricket shots. That's what we've got. We've got a lot of talent. If we just apply ourselves in the way that Rahmat and the skipper played," he further opined.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyxSjy4PI8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyxSjy4PI8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyxSjy4PI8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyxSjy4PI8y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-wc-keep-bringing-mediocre-and-average-people-akhtar-fumes-after-pakistan-loss-to-afghanistan-650606">ODI WC: 'Keep bringing mediocre and average people' - Akhtar FUMES after Pakistan loss to Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>The former English batter added, "Yeah. there are things to work on. And if we can get those sorts of little things right, that will help us win games like this more often and more consistently. But let's make sure we take this confidence and this belief in this change room now and the happiness and we apply to every time we train and every match we play from here on it. Very excited for you boys. I'm very happy, very excited. Very proud."</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, captain Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also. At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive&nbsp;cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup."</p>

<p>Earlier in the ten-team ODI World Cup, Afghanistan beat defending champions England by 69 runs. Thus, they have two wins from five games and are in the sixth spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi.

Afghanistan secured their second win of the ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) with an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan in match 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in New Delhi. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green posted 282 for 7 with Babar (74) and Abdullah Shafique (58) being the top-scorers. Afghanistan batters, after Noor Ahmed's 3 for 49 and two strikes from Naveen-ul-Haq, then completed the run-chase in 49 overs with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77*) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) standing tall. After the historic win, Afghanistan head coach and former English batter Jonathan Trott lauded his troops in an inspiring dressing room speech. He hailed the collective effort of the entire XI and asked them to enjoy the win but also get ready for the upcoming challenges. In a video shared by Afghanistan Cricket Board on Instagram, Trott said, "There's a lot of emotions, a lot of passion. That's great. Let's just make sure we enjoy tonight. Make sure we look after each other. Let's make sure we enjoy this. Let's take the confidence from this. Enjoy tonight. I think Nabi. 10 overs for 31. Well, done. Noor, first World Cup game three wickets, well done." "Our batters, I thought the way that we started, Ibrahim and Gurbaz I thought that was outstanding. That's world-class batting. You guys played cricket shots. That's what we've got. We've got a lot of talent. If we just apply ourselves in the way that Rahmat and the skipper played," he further opined. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × Also read: ODI WC: 'Keep bringing mediocre and average people' - Akhtar FUMES after Pakistan loss to Afghanistan The former English batter added, "Yeah. there are things to work on. And if we can get those sorts of little things right, that will help us win games like this more often and more consistently. But let's make sure we take this confidence and this belief in this change room now and the happiness and we apply to every time we train and every match we play from here on it. Very excited for you boys. I'm very happy, very excited. Very proud." At the post-match presentation, captain Shahidi said, "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward for the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. The quality cricket that we have been playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there when we were playing the Asia Cup also. At the start of the tournament, I said that we want to make this tournament historic for our country people. First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward for the other games. We'll try our best to play positive cricket and do a lot for our country in this World Cup." Earlier in the ten-team ODI World Cup, Afghanistan beat defending champions England by 69 runs. Thus, they have two wins from five games and are in the sixth spot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Head coach Jonathan Trott lauds Afghanistan players in INSPIRING speech after win over Pakistan - Watch

<p>Babar Azam-led Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Opting to bat first, the Men in Green posted 282 for 7 riding on fifties from Abdullah Shafique (58), skipper Babar (74) before Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs.</p>

<p>After the shocking loss, Pakistan have been slammed left, right and centre by their former players as their progress to the next round rests on a knife edge. Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan speedster, has reacted to his national side's loss and feels 'mediocre and average people' in Pakistan cricket setup have affected their growth.</p>

<p>“Keep bringing mediocre and average people. People have made a joke of brand building. It’s about building an institution that builds a brand. Now what do I say in this long debate?” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have nothing to say today. <a href="https://t.co/aQYDyG21vv">pic.twitter.com/aQYDyG21vv</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1716518705947963562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eating-8-kg-mutton-every-day-akram-slams-babar-led-pakistans-fitness-after-world-cup-loss-to-afghanistan-650589">Eating 8 kg mutton every day': Akram SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan's fitness after World Cup loss to Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Akhtar added, "The position Pakistan cricket has reached and where the cricket team is today is a direct reflection of the choices they have made in the last 20-30 years. Keep on bringing the same people, keep on making the same mistakes and you will get the same kind of results."</p>

<p>After the defeat, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle&nbsp;overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match. In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets. All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Babar Azam-led Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Opting to bat first, the Men in Green posted 282 for 7 riding on fifties from Abdullah Shafique (58), skipper Babar (74) before Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the CWC 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Opting to bat first, the Men in Green posted 282 for 7 riding on fifties from Abdullah Shafique (58), skipper Babar (74) before Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs. After the shocking loss, Pakistan have been slammed left, right and centre by their former players as their progress to the next round rests on a knife edge. Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan speedster, has reacted to his national side's loss and feels 'mediocre and average people' in Pakistan cricket setup have affected their growth. “Keep bringing mediocre and average people. People have made a joke of brand building. It’s about building an institution that builds a brand. Now what do I say in this long debate?” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. I have nothing to say today. pic.twitter.com/aQYDyG21vv — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 23, 2023 × Also read: 'Eating 8 kg mutton every day': Akram SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan's fitness after World Cup loss to Afghanistan Akhtar added, "The position Pakistan cricket has reached and where the cricket team is today is a direct reflection of the choices they have made in the last 20-30 years. Keep on bringing the same people, keep on making the same mistakes and you will get the same kind of results." After the defeat, Babar said at the post-match presentation, "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we aren't up to the mark because we are not taking wickets in the middle overs. In the World Cup, if you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the match. In the field, we didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any wickets. All credit to Afghanistan the way they played in all three departments. That's why they won. We are not playing good cricket in bowling and fielding." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI WC: 'Keep bringing mediocre and average people' - Akhtar FUMES after Pakistan loses to Afghanistan

<p>Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green rode on captain's 74 and Abdullah Shafique's 58 to post 282 for 7, with Noor Ahmed claiming 3 for 49 before Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs.</p>

<p>After the shocking defeat to Afghanistan, which is their third on the trot, Pakistan are staring at early elimination from the ten-team tournament. Hence, many former Pakistani cricketers have slammed the current lot for their ordinary bowling, fitness standards and not being as aggressive as other teams with the bat at the start.</p>

<h2><strong>'There has been no fitness test for the last 2 years'</strong></h2>

<p>Wasim Akram, Pakistan's legendary former pacer, ripped into Babar Azam &amp; Co. for their fitness levels after the Afghanistan defeat. Soon after the loss, he told A Sports, "It's embarrassing. Just 2 wickets, 280-290 is a big score. The pitch is wet or not wet. Fielding was... you look at the fitness levels. We have been discussing on this show that there has been no fitness test for the last 2 years. If I take the players' individual names, they won't like it. It looks like they are eating 8 kg of mutton every day."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-isnt-an-upset-its-an-uprise-srt-others-react-afghanistan-fans-and-players-celebrate-pakistan-win-650528">'Isn't an upset, it's an uprise': SRT &amp; others react; Afghanistan fans and players celebrate win vs Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Akram pointed out, "There should be tests. Professionally, you are playing for your country, you are being paid. I am with Misbah. When he was coach, he had that criteria, players hated him. But, it worked for the team. Fielding is all about fitness, and it shows on the field."</p>

<p>He further added, "Now we have come to a stage, where we will pray, do ifs and buts, wait for other teams to lose, then we can reach the semi-finals."</p>

<p>Pakistan remain in the fifth spot (with four points) after the loss to Afghanistan. They have to win all their remaining four games -- against South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England -- to progress ahead.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green rode on captain's 74 and Abdullah Shafique's 58 to post 282 for 7, with Noor Ahmed claiming 3 for 49 before Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs.

Pakistan lost to Afghanistan by eight wickets in match 22 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 edition on Monday (Oct 23) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Opting to bat first, Babar Azam-led Men in Green rode on captain's 74 and Abdullah Shafique's 58 to post 282 for 7, with Noor Ahmed claiming 3 for 49 before Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Player-of-the-Match Ibrahim Zadran (87), skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi (48*) and Rahmat Shah (77*) took their side home in 49 overs. After the shocking defeat to Afghanistan, which is their third on the trot, Pakistan are staring at early elimination from the ten-team tournament. Hence, many former Pakistani cricketers have slammed the current lot for their ordinary bowling, fitness standards and not being as aggressive as other teams with the bat at the start. 'There has been no fitness test for the last 2 years' Wasim Akram, Pakistan's legendary former pacer, ripped into Babar Azam & Co. for their fitness levels after the Afghanistan defeat. Soon after the loss, he told A Sports, "It's embarrassing. Just 2 wickets, 280-290 is a big score. The pitch is wet or not wet. Fielding was... you look at the fitness levels. We have been discussing on this show that there has been no fitness test for the last 2 years. If I take the players' individual names, they won't like it. It looks like they are eating 8 kg of mutton every day." Also read: 'Isn't an upset, it's an uprise': SRT & others react; Afghanistan fans and players celebrate win vs Pakistan Akram pointed out, "There should be tests. Professionally, you are playing for your country, you are being paid. I am with Misbah. When he was coach, he had that criteria, players hated him. But, it worked for the team. Fielding is all about fitness, and it shows on the field." He further added, "Now we have come to a stage, where we will pray, do ifs and buts, wait for other teams to lose, then we can reach the semi-finals." Pakistan remain in the fifth spot (with four points) after the loss to Afghanistan. They have to win all their remaining four games -- against South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England -- to progress ahead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Eating 8 kg mutton every day': Akram SLAMS Babar-led Pakistan's fitness after World Cup loss to Afghanistan

<p>Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babar Azam was crestfallen after his team succumbed to a third consecutive defeat in the World Cup. The men-in-green were&nbsp;thrashed by Afghanistan who won by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, leaving the 1992 World Cup champions staring at an uphill task to qualify for the knockouts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the post-match ceremony, Babar said Pakistan were not up to the mark yet again.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we weren't up to the mark as we are not taking wickets in the middle&nbsp;overs. If you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the game," said Babar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-afghanistan-batter-thanks-former-indian-cricketer-for-win-against-england-647888"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Afghanistan batter thanks former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja for win against England</strong></a></p>

<p>"We didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan skipper credited Afghanistan and said the arch-rivals won because of "the way they played in all three departments".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have to try better in the next game, try and take good things from this game and move on. We didn't hit the right lengths, especially in the middle overs and we conceded boundary every over."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-formidable-afghanistan-stun-pakistan-by-8-wickets-secure-second-win-of-campaign-650409"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Beaming Afghan skipper Shahidi</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, winning captain&nbsp;Hashmatullah Shahidi said with a beaming smile that the victory tasted 'nice'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward to the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. We have been playing quality cricket, the belief was there when we played the Asia Cup as well," said Shahidi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan skipper reflected on the England win and said his men had carried over the confidence from there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward to the other games. We'll try to play positive&nbsp;cricket and do a lot for our country."</p>

<p>With the win, Afghanistan have a realistic chance of breaking into the top 4 and with the next game scheduled against an underfiring Sri Lanka, the subcontinent team will hope to make further inroads in the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for Pakistan, it is three successive defeats on the bounce but it is the manner of the&nbsp;loss against arch-rivals Afghanistan that would have hurt their morale. A lot of events did not fall in place for Pakistan but they will have to brush themselves up and look to take every match as a knockout from hereon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babar Azam was crestfallen after his team succumbed to a third consecutive defeat in the World Cup. The men-in-green were thrashed by Afghanistan who won by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, leaving the 1992 World Cup champions staring at an uphill task to qualify for the knockouts.

Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babar Azam was crestfallen after his team succumbed to a third consecutive defeat in the World Cup. The men-in-green were thrashed by Afghanistan who won by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, leaving the 1992 World Cup champions staring at an uphill task to qualify for the knockouts. Speaking at the post-match ceremony, Babar said Pakistan were not up to the mark yet again. "This hurts us. We had a good total. In the bowling, we weren't up to the mark as we are not taking wickets in the middle overs. If you are not good in even one department, then you'll lose the game," said Babar. Also read | World Cup 2023: Afghanistan batter thanks former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja for win against England "We didn't stop boundaries and gave away runs, that cost us. Bowling - we started well, in the middle overs, we needed wickets but we couldn't take any," he added. The Pakistan skipper credited Afghanistan and said the arch-rivals won because of "the way they played in all three departments". "We have to try better in the next game, try and take good things from this game and move on. We didn't hit the right lengths, especially in the middle overs and we conceded boundary every over." Also read | World Cup 2023: Formidable Afghanistan stun Pakistan by 8 wickets, secure second win of campaign Beaming Afghan skipper Shahidi Meanwhile, winning captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said with a beaming smile that the victory tasted 'nice'. "This win tastes nice. The way we chased was very professional. Looking forward to the other games. The way we chased today, we'll do it again. We have been playing quality cricket, the belief was there when we played the Asia Cup as well," said Shahidi. The Afghan skipper reflected on the England win and said his men had carried over the confidence from there. "First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward to the other games. We'll try to play positive cricket and do a lot for our country." With the win, Afghanistan have a realistic chance of breaking into the top 4 and with the next game scheduled against an underfiring Sri Lanka, the subcontinent team will hope to make further inroads in the tournament. As for Pakistan, it is three successive defeats on the bounce but it is the manner of the loss against arch-rivals Afghanistan that would have hurt their morale. A lot of events did not fall in place for Pakistan but they will have to brush themselves up and look to take every match as a knockout from hereon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: 'This hurts...', Babar Azam laments after Afghanistan humiliate Pakistan

<p>Following what transpired in Dharamsala the other night, the action will move to the southern part of India in Chennai, where two Asian teams – Pakistan and Afghanistan, will lock horns in an exciting World Cup 2023 clash on Monday. Considering the fair share of history between these two countries, both on and off the field, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for this game to get underway. Here is the match preview and result prediction of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan World Cup 2023 match.</p>

<h2>Bowling still a worry, but Pakistan ready to break loose</h2>

<p>The Men in Green struggled against India and Australia in their previous two matches, losing both, but will aim to get back on track with a win over Afghanistan in Chennai. Despite Shaheen Afridi’s five-for against the Aussies in their last match, Pakistan’s bowling hit rock bottom, with each of their bowlers leaking runs at a terrible rate.</p>

<p>Be it Haris Rauf or Hasan Ali, none looked like hitting the right lengths, let alone threatening batters with their sheer pace. Though the inclusion of Usama Mir ahead of underperforming Shadab Khan provided vital, Mohammed Nawaz not finding rhythm continues to worry them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-masterminds-indias-run-chase-against-new-zealand-in-dharamsala-here-is-how-fans-reacted-on-x-650105">Virat Kohli masterminds India's run chase against New Zealand in Dharamsala, here is how fans reacted on X</a></strong></p>

<p>Batting-heavy Pakistan will again rely on their top order to break loose against Afghanistan, with a new star in Abdullah Shafique at the top.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s unbeaten 7-0-win record over Afghanistan in ODIs will work to their advantage heading into this match.</p>

<h3>Upset on the cards by Afghanistan?</h3>

<p>Afghanistan had already beaten one of the top teams in this edition – England in Delhi. Given how close they came to topping Pakistan in ODIs earlier, a win over their rivals on Monday wouldn’t surprise anyone.</p>

<p>A team with perhaps the best spin attack in the world has a lot more to it, and they have shown thus far in this tournament. Despite expectations from the star-studded opening pair to click in every game, the middle order has come to the rescue mostly, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi striking gold.</p>

<p><strong>Result Prediction</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghanistan will challenge Pakistan and might even put them on the brink of a historic defeat in World Cups, but the experience might save the former world champions. Pakistan to beat Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Predicted XIs –</strong></p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan -</strong> Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan -</strong> Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Following what transpired in Dharamsala the other night, the action will move to the southern part of India in Chennai, where two Asian teams – Pakistan and Afghanistan, will lock horns in an exciting World Cup 2023 clash on Monday.

Following what transpired in Dharamsala the other night, the action will move to the southern part of India in Chennai, where two Asian teams – Pakistan and Afghanistan, will lock horns in an exciting World Cup 2023 clash on Monday. Considering the fair share of history between these two countries, both on and off the field, cricket fans are eagerly waiting for this game to get underway. Here is the match preview and result prediction of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan World Cup 2023 match. Bowling still a worry, but Pakistan ready to break loose The Men in Green struggled against India and Australia in their previous two matches, losing both, but will aim to get back on track with a win over Afghanistan in Chennai. Despite Shaheen Afridi’s five-for against the Aussies in their last match, Pakistan’s bowling hit rock bottom, with each of their bowlers leaking runs at a terrible rate. Be it Haris Rauf or Hasan Ali, none looked like hitting the right lengths, let alone threatening batters with their sheer pace. Though the inclusion of Usama Mir ahead of underperforming Shadab Khan provided vital, Mohammed Nawaz not finding rhythm continues to worry them. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli masterminds India's run chase against New Zealand in Dharamsala, here is how fans reacted on X Batting-heavy Pakistan will again rely on their top order to break loose against Afghanistan, with a new star in Abdullah Shafique at the top. Pakistan’s unbeaten 7-0-win record over Afghanistan in ODIs will work to their advantage heading into this match. Upset on the cards by Afghanistan? Afghanistan had already beaten one of the top teams in this edition – England in Delhi. Given how close they came to topping Pakistan in ODIs earlier, a win over their rivals on Monday wouldn’t surprise anyone. A team with perhaps the best spin attack in the world has a lot more to it, and they have shown thus far in this tournament. Despite expectations from the star-studded opening pair to click in every game, the middle order has come to the rescue mostly, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi striking gold. Result Prediction Afghanistan will challenge Pakistan and might even put them on the brink of a historic defeat in World Cups, but the experience might save the former world champions. Pakistan to beat Afghanistan. Predicted XIs – Afghanistan - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi Pakistan - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup 2023, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Match preview and result prediction

<p>Amid media reports of a rift inside the Pakistan dressing room after a sluggish start to the World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday (Oct 23) released a statement, denying such speculations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement was released at the same time when Pakistan started batting against Afghanistan in their crucial league phase encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly denies recent speculations about any internal discord in the national cricket team currently participating in the ICC World Cup 2023," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Contrary to rumours circulated by a certain section of the media, the PCB unequivocally assures that the team is cohesive and there is no evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims."</p>

<p>Some reports claimed that Pakistan captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Shadab Khan had a falling out after the latter was left out of the game against Australia. According to some Pakistani journalists, there had been alleged physical altercations between other teammates and that verbal blows were also exchanged, damping the team camaraderie.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations."</p>

<p>Pakistan started the World Cup in fine form, winning their opening two encounters. However, after losing the match against arch-rivals India in a rather crushing way, the team appeared jaded. The men-in-green did put up a fight against Australia but the challenging target of 368 proved too difficult for the Pakistani batters as the team suffered second&nbsp;consecutive defeat and slipped out of knockouts contention.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-afg-head-to-head-world-cup-2023-pakistan-vs-afghanistan-date-venue-probable-playing-xi-649897"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PAK vs AFG Head-to-head: World Cup 2023- Pakistan vs Afghanistan date, venue</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan off to a steady start</strong></h2>

<p>While off-field controversies threatened to derail the Pakistan World Cup campaign, the team shrugged them off and got to a steady start, batting first against Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq played with a positive intent and passed the first powerplay unscathed. However, Imam departed in the 11th over with the scoreboard reading 56. Since then, Pakistan captain Babar Azam had joined Shafique and the duo had stitched a 50+ partnership already.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Playing XIs:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Pakistan: </strong>Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf</p>

<p><strong>Afghanistan:</strong> Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Amid media reports of a rift inside the Pakistan dressing room after a sluggish start to the World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday (Oct 23) released a statement, denying such speculations.

Amid media reports of a rift inside the Pakistan dressing room after a sluggish start to the World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday (Oct 23) released a statement, denying such speculations. The statement was released at the same time when Pakistan started batting against Afghanistan in their crucial league phase encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. "The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly denies recent speculations about any internal discord in the national cricket team currently participating in the ICC World Cup 2023," read the statement. "Contrary to rumours circulated by a certain section of the media, the PCB unequivocally assures that the team is cohesive and there is no evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims." Some reports claimed that Pakistan captain Babar Azam and vice-captain Shadab Khan had a falling out after the latter was left out of the game against Australia. According to some Pakistani journalists, there had been alleged physical altercations between other teammates and that verbal blows were also exchanged, damping the team camaraderie. "The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations." Pakistan started the World Cup in fine form, winning their opening two encounters. However, after losing the match against arch-rivals India in a rather crushing way, the team appeared jaded. The men-in-green did put up a fight against Australia but the challenging target of 368 proved too difficult for the Pakistani batters as the team suffered second consecutive defeat and slipped out of knockouts contention. Also read | PAK vs AFG Head-to-head: World Cup 2023- Pakistan vs Afghanistan date, venue Pakistan off to a steady start While off-field controversies threatened to derail the Pakistan World Cup campaign, the team shrugged them off and got to a steady start, batting first against Afghanistan. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq played with a positive intent and passed the first powerplay unscathed. However, Imam departed in the 11th over with the scoreboard reading 56. Since then, Pakistan captain Babar Azam had joined Shafique and the duo had stitched a 50+ partnership already. Playing XIs: Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Rift brewing in Pakistan dressing room? PCB releases a statement

<p>Several players and coaches have explained why hitting sixes is a big deal and not as easy as it appears on the TV screen. But a reasoning given by Imam-ul-Haq when asked why Pakistan batters are not hitting as many sixes as other teams will leave everyone in splits. During the pre-match presser, the Pakistan Team opener said because the players are taking a more carb-heavy diet instead of consuming proteins, they haven't managed to hit many sixes in this World Cup 2023.</p>

<p>Following suffering two back-to-back losses at the hands of India and Australia, owing to mediocre performances with both bat and ball, Pakistan will look to show more zeal as they gear up for another tight clash against Afghanistan in Chennai.</p>

<p>The lack of intent by Pakistani batters has been a cause of concern, and media personnel, like everyone, wanted to know more about what’s stopping them from applying themselves.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-pakistan-vs-afghanistan-match-preview-and-result-prediction-650132">World Cup 2023, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Match preview and result prediction</a></strong></p>

<p>Providing a first-of-its-kind answer to this, the Pakistan opener said, “Maybe we want to eat more proteins and not that much carbs, but it is just that there is nothing we want to talk about. It is just we really do not feel it if we are not hitting six or not four, it is just that what are we doing for the team."</p>

<h2>Down but ready to battle</h2>

<p>Imam-ul-Haq admitted with Pakistan down in the past two games, the chances of improving now through extra training or practice are bleak, and the only way they can get better at producing desired results is if the players apply their skills and play as per the conditions.</p>

<p>"It's just that I don't believe that now we have a chance to do any kind of more practice. It's just we are in the tournament, and it's just about the top-up.</p>

<p>“We don't have that much time…but the thing is it's just that - yes, this is a spin venue ground, and we know that, and the guys individually really depend on how they practice, and it's just that every individual has their own preparations and we really back them, we really back their ability, and it's just that's how it is,” Imam added.</p>

<p>With the game scheduled in Chennai, spinners will come into play, and Pakistan is aware of Afghanistan's strength - the spin department. But Imam feels with past results favouring them, Pakistan can beat Afghanistan at the Chepauk.</p>

<p>"Of course, there are good spinners in Afghanistan who can bowl well in the middle overs. But we had beaten them in Hambantota 3-0. Even there, the conditions were very spin-friendly. So, we will back that and our ability. In the end, you have to play the ball. You don't have to play the bowler. So, it's just that you have to back your ability,” Imam added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Several players and coaches have explained why hitting sixes is a big deal and not as easy as it appears on the TV screen. But a reasoning given by Imam-ul-Haq when asked why Pakistan batters are not hitting as many sixes as other teams will leave everyone in splits.

Several players and coaches have explained why hitting sixes is a big deal and not as easy as it appears on the TV screen. But a reasoning given by Imam-ul-Haq when asked why Pakistan batters are not hitting as many sixes as other teams will leave everyone in splits. During the pre-match presser, the Pakistan Team opener said because the players are taking a more carb-heavy diet instead of consuming proteins, they haven't managed to hit many sixes in this World Cup 2023. Following suffering two back-to-back losses at the hands of India and Australia, owing to mediocre performances with both bat and ball, Pakistan will look to show more zeal as they gear up for another tight clash against Afghanistan in Chennai. The lack of intent by Pakistani batters has been a cause of concern, and media personnel, like everyone, wanted to know more about what’s stopping them from applying themselves. ALSO READ: World Cup 2023, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Match preview and result prediction Providing a first-of-its-kind answer to this, the Pakistan opener said, “Maybe we want to eat more proteins and not that much carbs, but it is just that there is nothing we want to talk about. It is just we really do not feel it if we are not hitting six or not four, it is just that what are we doing for the team." Down but ready to battle Imam-ul-Haq admitted with Pakistan down in the past two games, the chances of improving now through extra training or practice are bleak, and the only way they can get better at producing desired results is if the players apply their skills and play as per the conditions. "It's just that I don't believe that now we have a chance to do any kind of more practice. It's just we are in the tournament, and it's just about the top-up. “We don't have that much time…but the thing is it's just that - yes, this is a spin venue ground, and we know that, and the guys individually really depend on how they practice, and it's just that every individual has their own preparations and we really back them, we really back their ability, and it's just that's how it is,” Imam added. With the game scheduled in Chennai, spinners will come into play, and Pakistan is aware of Afghanistan's strength - the spin department. But Imam feels with past results favouring them, Pakistan can beat Afghanistan at the Chepauk. "Of course, there are good spinners in Afghanistan who can bowl well in the middle overs. But we had beaten them in Hambantota 3-0. Even there, the conditions were very spin-friendly. So, we will back that and our ability. In the end, you have to play the ball. You don't have to play the bowler. So, it's just that you have to back your ability,” Imam added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

CWC - We need to eat more protein than carbs…: Imam's bizarre reasoning behind PAK batters not hitting sixes

<p>Pakistan is up against Afghanistan in their next World Cup 2023 match on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. Coming off on the back of two successive defeats at the hands of India and Australia, Pakistan’s back is against the wall, and their former legend Shoaib Akhtar has warned them not to take Afghanistan lightly, given the match is played in Chennai, where conditions favour spinners.</p>

<p>While Afghanistan will also enter the contest on the back of a loss against New Zealand in Chennai, their win over the defending champions England in Delhi a game before that was a morale booster. With them possessing the best spin attack in the tournament – including star spinner Rashid Khan, veteran Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Afghanistan will be a threat to Pakistan in this contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-heinrich-klaasen-admits-apologising-to-mark-wood-for-celebrating-in-his-face-649932">World Cup: Heinrich Klaasen admits apologising to Mark Wood for celebrating in his face</a></strong></p>

<p>In Pakistan’s favour, their head-to-head record against Afghanistan in ODIs (7-0) will work as a motivation; however, they still need to play as a unit to rise from the situation they find themselves in. Even on the points table after four matches, Pakistan is fifth with an NRR of -0.456.</p>

<p>Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s next match, Akhtar said the Men in Green cannot take Afghanistan lightly. He added for Pakistan to save them from an embarrassment, they must cross the winning line.</p>

<p>“Afghanistan is a strong team. If you want to save yourself from embarrassment... I'm not saying Afghanistan is a bad team; they are at par with Pakistan. Don't take them lightly. The match is in Chennai, the ball will turn. It's favourable conditions for Afghanistan. I'm sure Pakistan will pick their pieces up. Please go out there and play with your heart,” Akhtar said, as quoted by India Today.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Pakistan should bat first</h2>

<p>Although Pakistan completed the highest-ever run-chase in World Cup history against Sri Lanka in this edition, Akhtar feels batting first and posting a 300-plus total should be their approach against Afghanistan.</p>

<p>He also pinpointed Babar Azam’s series of low scores and how he must pull his socks to justify his reputation as the ranked number one ODI batter.</p>

<p>“Winning the toss and electing to bowl, why? Score 320, give bowlers a chance. Maybe they could've bowled them out. Babar Azam is a great player, but again, great players need to play great innings. You can't make yourself a big name by not performing against big nations. You have to show you can score big runs in big games,” Akhtar added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan is up against Afghanistan in their next World Cup 2023 match on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. Coming off on the back of two successive defeats at the hands of India and Australia, Pakistan’s back is against the wall, and their former legend Shoaib Akhtar has warned them not to take Afghanistan lightly, given the match is played in Chennai, where conditions favour spinners.

Pakistan is up against Afghanistan in their next World Cup 2023 match on Monday (Oct 23) in Chennai. Coming off on the back of two successive defeats at the hands of India and Australia, Pakistan’s back is against the wall, and their former legend Shoaib Akhtar has warned them not to take Afghanistan lightly, given the match is played in Chennai, where conditions favour spinners. While Afghanistan will also enter the contest on the back of a loss against New Zealand in Chennai, their win over the defending champions England in Delhi a game before that was a morale booster. With them possessing the best spin attack in the tournament – including star spinner Rashid Khan, veteran Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Afghanistan will be a threat to Pakistan in this contest. ALSO READ: World Cup: Heinrich Klaasen admits apologising to Mark Wood for celebrating in his face In Pakistan’s favour, their head-to-head record against Afghanistan in ODIs (7-0) will work as a motivation; however, they still need to play as a unit to rise from the situation they find themselves in. Even on the points table after four matches, Pakistan is fifth with an NRR of -0.456. Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s next match, Akhtar said the Men in Green cannot take Afghanistan lightly. He added for Pakistan to save them from an embarrassment, they must cross the winning line. “Afghanistan is a strong team. If you want to save yourself from embarrassment... I'm not saying Afghanistan is a bad team; they are at par with Pakistan. Don't take them lightly. The match is in Chennai, the ball will turn. It's favourable conditions for Afghanistan. I'm sure Pakistan will pick their pieces up. Please go out there and play with your heart,” Akhtar said, as quoted by India Today. Pakistan should bat first Although Pakistan completed the highest-ever run-chase in World Cup history against Sri Lanka in this edition, Akhtar feels batting first and posting a 300-plus total should be their approach against Afghanistan. He also pinpointed Babar Azam’s series of low scores and how he must pull his socks to justify his reputation as the ranked number one ODI batter. “Winning the toss and electing to bowl, why? Score 320, give bowlers a chance. Maybe they could've bowled them out. Babar Azam is a great player, but again, great players need to play great innings. You can't make yourself a big name by not performing against big nations. You have to show you can score big runs in big games,” Akhtar added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Cup - 'Save yourself from embarrassment..., Shoaib Akhtar warns Pakistan not to take Afghanistan lightly

<p>Pakistan have claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI team rankings after a flawless performance against Afghanistan in the three-match series. A 59-run win in the third ODI saw Pakistan clinch the series 3-0 and saw them take the top rank. The win also builds momentum for the Asia Cup co-hosts with less than a week to go for the showpiece event to start. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were the architects of the win as they both scored fifties for the side.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Clinical bowling display to seal the series 3️⃣-0️⃣ 💪<br />
<br />
Pakistan reclaim the top spot in the ODI rankings 🥇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvPAK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBoysInGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBoysInGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/JNSnvtl0rA">pic.twitter.com/JNSnvtl0rA</a></p>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1695493902571331965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Pakistan clinch top spot</strong></h2>

<p>Needing a win to clinch the top spot in the ICC rankings, Babar’s army put up 268/8 on the board as they put in a flawless show at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, August 26. Babar (60) and Rizwan (67) laid the foundation for the win as Afghanistan tried to stop them. Fareed Ahmad and Gulbadin Naib both scalped two wickets each while Rashid Khan scalped one.</p>

<p>For Pakistan, Agha Salman (38) and Mohammad Nawaz (30) played useful knocks and helped steer the team beyond the 250-run mark. Fakhar Zaman (27) and Imam-ul-Haq (13) put in an opening stand of 36 runs before the former was dismissed. Interestingly, Babar and Rizwan put in 110 runs for the third wicket and steadied the Pakistan ship to help them reach 268/8.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virender-sehwag-handpicks-this-batter-to-finish-with-most-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-2023-629474">Virender Sehwag handpicks THIS batter to finish with most runs in Cricket World Cup 2023</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Afghanistan’s innings?</strong></h2>

<p>In reply, there was no repeat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s heroics from the last match as he departed for 5 in the sixth over. In next to no time, Afghanistan were 75/6 and looked on course for another humiliating defeat having been bowled out for 58 in the first ODI. They lost wickets at regular intervals and handed the initiative to the Men in Green.</p>

<p>However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman avoided the blemish of humiliation as he built a 57-run stand with Shahidullah Kamal (37) for the eighth wicket before being out hit wicket to Shaheen Shah Afridi on 64. The&nbsp; Afghanistan tail then did not last for long and were&nbsp;bowled out for 209, handing Pakistan the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings. The 59-run win also saw them pocket the series 3-0.</p>

<p>Pakistan will next take the field in the curtain-raiser of the Asia Cup on Wednesday, August 30 against Nepal in Multan. They will then face India in Sri Lanka in the second league match in Pallekele on Saturday, September 2. Afghanistan will start their Asia Cup journey against Bangladesh on Sunday, September 3 in Lahore.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan have claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI team rankings after a flawless performance against Afghanistan in the three-match series. A 59-run win in the third ODI saw Pakistan clinch the series 3-0 and saw them take the top rank.

Pakistan have claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI team rankings after a flawless performance against Afghanistan in the three-match series. A 59-run win in the third ODI saw Pakistan clinch the series 3-0 and saw them take the top rank. The win also builds momentum for the Asia Cup co-hosts with less than a week to go for the showpiece event to start. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were the architects of the win as they both scored fifties for the side. Clinical bowling display to seal the series 3️⃣-0️⃣ 💪 Pakistan reclaim the top spot in the ODI rankings 🥇#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/JNSnvtl0rA — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2023 × Pakistan clinch top spot Needing a win to clinch the top spot in the ICC rankings, Babar’s army put up 268/8 on the board as they put in a flawless show at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, August 26. Babar (60) and Rizwan (67) laid the foundation for the win as Afghanistan tried to stop them. Fareed Ahmad and Gulbadin Naib both scalped two wickets each while Rashid Khan scalped one. For Pakistan, Agha Salman (38) and Mohammad Nawaz (30) played useful knocks and helped steer the team beyond the 250-run mark. Fakhar Zaman (27) and Imam-ul-Haq (13) put in an opening stand of 36 runs before the former was dismissed. Interestingly, Babar and Rizwan put in 110 runs for the third wicket and steadied the Pakistan ship to help them reach 268/8. ALSO READ | Virender Sehwag handpicks THIS batter to finish with most runs in Cricket World Cup 2023 What happened in Afghanistan’s innings? In reply, there was no repeat of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s heroics from the last match as he departed for 5 in the sixth over. In next to no time, Afghanistan were 75/6 and looked on course for another humiliating defeat having been bowled out for 58 in the first ODI. They lost wickets at regular intervals and handed the initiative to the Men in Green. However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman avoided the blemish of humiliation as he built a 57-run stand with Shahidullah Kamal (37) for the eighth wicket before being out hit wicket to Shaheen Shah Afridi on 64. The Afghanistan tail then did not last for long and were bowled out for 209, handing Pakistan the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings. The 59-run win also saw them pocket the series 3-0. Pakistan will next take the field in the curtain-raiser of the Asia Cup on Wednesday, August 30 against Nepal in Multan. They will then face India in Sri Lanka in the second league match in Pallekele on Saturday, September 2. Afghanistan will start their Asia Cup journey against Bangladesh on Sunday, September 3 in Lahore. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan claim No. 1 ODI team rank after dominant 3-0 series win against Afghanistan en route to Asia Cup

<p>Naseem Shah, the batter, returns to haunt Afghanistan as he helps his team chase 301 with one wicket in hand during the second ODI in Hambantota on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After electing to bat first, Afghanistan had a task at hand – to overcome the previous game demons and play for win in this match. Keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone early as they went after the Pakistani bowlers. The pair avoided early jitters and on a good batting track made most of their chances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both right-handers slammed each bowler, Haris Rauf, particularly, who triggered their collapse in the first ODI with a five-for. Gurbaz was the aggressor of the two, going for biggies more often than not. The way this pair was striking the ball, it looked like Afghanistan was up for a huge total in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-just-one-good-outing-and-focus-on-recovery-helped-shreyas-iyer-return-to-indian-team-for-asia-cup-2023-628830">How just one good outing and focus on recovery helped Shreyas Iyer return to Indian Team for Asia Cup 2023</a></p>

<p>Both, in no time, completed a 200-plus run stand for the first wicket, putting Pakistan’s back against the wall. In the meantime, Gurbaz completed his fifth ODI hundred, becoming the second-quickest batter (in 23 innings) to achieve this feat.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Usama Mir broke the 227-run stand for the first wicket, and with that, Pakistan did put brakes on Afghans’ fast-paced innings. Gurbaz departed next on a well-made 151, as Shaheen Afridi picked two wickets to help Pakistan restrict their opponents to 300 for five in 20 overs. With no wickets in seven overs, Rauf was Pakistan’s most expensive bowler, conceding 48 runs at 6.90.</p>

<p>Pakistan, in their chase, lost Fakhar Zaman inside the first 10 overs, with man-in-form Imam-ul-Haq and Captain Babar Azam stuck around to keep Pakistan afloat in the game. Both completed their respective fifties, however, Imam got out to Mujeeb on 91.</p>

<p>In between, Pakistan lost wickets in cluster, much like the previous game, with Babar Azam falling on 53.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan kept Pakistan in the chase with odd boundaries, but Afghanistan looked in control during the fag end of the innings.</p>

<p>Seamers and spinners kept it tight for the Afghans as they approached their first win against Pakistan in ODIs.</p>

<p>Two back-to-back wickets during the last four overs, including the big one of Iftikhar Ahmed, put Pakistan in a losing position. Having said that, the tide turned in the penultimate over after Shadab Khan changed the equation with some fireworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fazalhaq Farooqi, on the first ball of the final over, pulled off a Mankad to dismiss dangerous Shadab Khan on 48, leaving only bowlers to chase the remaining 11 runs.</p>

<p>That wasn’t the end of the story, as Naseem Shah, the batter, returned to haunt Afghanistan, as he helped his team win the match with just one wicket in hand. With this, Pakistan won the second ODI and series 2-0, with one ODI left.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Naseem Shah, the batter, returns to haunt Afghanistan as he helps his team chase 301 with one wicket in hand during the second ODI in Hambantota on Thursday. After electing to bat first, Afghanistan had a task at hand – to overcome the previous game demons and play for win in this match.

Naseem Shah, the batter, returns to haunt Afghanistan as he helps his team chase 301 with one wicket in hand during the second ODI in Hambantota on Thursday. After electing to bat first, Afghanistan had a task at hand – to overcome the previous game demons and play for win in this match. Keeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone early as they went after the Pakistani bowlers. The pair avoided early jitters and on a good batting track made most of their chances. Both right-handers slammed each bowler, Haris Rauf, particularly, who triggered their collapse in the first ODI with a five-for. Gurbaz was the aggressor of the two, going for biggies more often than not. The way this pair was striking the ball, it looked like Afghanistan was up for a huge total in the first innings. ALSO READ: How just one good outing and focus on recovery helped Shreyas Iyer return to Indian Team for Asia Cup 2023 Both, in no time, completed a 200-plus run stand for the first wicket, putting Pakistan’s back against the wall. In the meantime, Gurbaz completed his fifth ODI hundred, becoming the second-quickest batter (in 23 innings) to achieve this feat. Leg-spinner Usama Mir broke the 227-run stand for the first wicket, and with that, Pakistan did put brakes on Afghans’ fast-paced innings. Gurbaz departed next on a well-made 151, as Shaheen Afridi picked two wickets to help Pakistan restrict their opponents to 300 for five in 20 overs. With no wickets in seven overs, Rauf was Pakistan’s most expensive bowler, conceding 48 runs at 6.90. Pakistan, in their chase, lost Fakhar Zaman inside the first 10 overs, with man-in-form Imam-ul-Haq and Captain Babar Azam stuck around to keep Pakistan afloat in the game. Both completed their respective fifties, however, Imam got out to Mujeeb on 91. In between, Pakistan lost wickets in cluster, much like the previous game, with Babar Azam falling on 53. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan kept Pakistan in the chase with odd boundaries, but Afghanistan looked in control during the fag end of the innings. Seamers and spinners kept it tight for the Afghans as they approached their first win against Pakistan in ODIs. Two back-to-back wickets during the last four overs, including the big one of Iftikhar Ahmed, put Pakistan in a losing position. Having said that, the tide turned in the penultimate over after Shadab Khan changed the equation with some fireworks. Fazalhaq Farooqi, on the first ball of the final over, pulled off a Mankad to dismiss dangerous Shadab Khan on 48, leaving only bowlers to chase the remaining 11 runs. That wasn’t the end of the story, as Naseem Shah, the batter, returned to haunt Afghanistan, as he helped his team win the match with just one wicket in hand. With this, Pakistan won the second ODI and series 2-0, with one ODI left. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Naseem Shah's last-over heroics help Pakistan beat Afghanistan in 2nd ODI by one wicket, win series

<p>Pakistan displayed a solid performance in the first ODI contest against Afghanistan in Hambantota as they won by 142 runs. A fifer from Haris Rauf saw Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Tuesday as they build up for the Asia Cup 2023. While it was a convincing display with the ball for Babar Azam’s side, Pakistan had their fair share of problems with the bat before registering the win.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1️⃣-0️⃣ in emphatic style 💥<br />
<br />
What an incredible bowling performance to win the first ODI by 142 runs! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFGvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFGvPAK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBoysInGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBoysInGreen</a> <a href="https://t.co/o7Hgslpt31">pic.twitter.com/o7Hgslpt31</a></p>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1694011169806385360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Pakistan register dominating win</strong></h2>

<p>Asked to chase 202, Afghanistan were never in the contest as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They lost four wickets in the first powerplay and were 4/3 at one stage with the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah running riot with the ball. Interestingly, only two batters crossed double-digit for Afghanistan before they were bowled out for 59 runs in 19.2 overs.</p>

<p>Rahmanullah Gurbaz (18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (16) were the picks of the batters in Afghanistan while extras contributed eight runs for them in a below-par show. Rauf was the chief culprit for Men in Navy Blue as he scalped five wickets for 18 runs while Shaheen Afridi ended with a brace. Nassem Shah and Shadab Khan also scalped with one wicket each.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pakistan had the worst possible start to the contest as they lost two wickets for seven and were 40/3 before the end of the first powerplay. The 1992 ODI World Cup winners were on the back foot from the start as they lost wickets at consistent intervals. Imam-ul-Haq top scored with 61 runs while Shadab Khan scored 39 runs with the bat. Shadab and Naseem put together a partnership of 35 runs for the ninth wicket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-a-look-at-indias-fairytale-dominance-over-pakistan-in-odi-world-cup-627968">IN PICS | A look at India's FAIRYTALE dominance over Pakistan in ODI World Cup</a></p>

<p>The two nations will now meet on Thursday, August 24 at the same ground before they start their journey in the Asia Cup. They will also meet in the third ODI on Saturday in Colombo. Pakistan will then return to their homeland to face Nepal in the curtain-raiser for the Asia Cup before traveling back to Sri Lanka to face India in the high-voltage contest.</p>

<p>They are likely to revisit Pakistan for another game in the Super Four before a meeting with India (depending on group-stage results). Pakistan are also in the running to prepare their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India where they start against the Netherlands on Friday, October 6.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan displayed a solid performance in the first ODI contest against Afghanistan in Hambantota as they won by 142 runs. A fifer from Haris Rauf saw Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Tuesday as they build up for the Asia Cup 2023.

Pakistan displayed a solid performance in the first ODI contest against Afghanistan in Hambantota as they won by 142 runs. A fifer from Haris Rauf saw Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Tuesday as they build up for the Asia Cup 2023. While it was a convincing display with the ball for Babar Azam’s side, Pakistan had their fair share of problems with the bat before registering the win. 1️⃣-0️⃣ in emphatic style 💥 What an incredible bowling performance to win the first ODI by 142 runs! 💪#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/o7Hgslpt31 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 22, 2023 × Pakistan register dominating win Asked to chase 202, Afghanistan were never in the contest as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They lost four wickets in the first powerplay and were 4/3 at one stage with the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah running riot with the ball. Interestingly, only two batters crossed double-digit for Afghanistan before they were bowled out for 59 runs in 19.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (16) were the picks of the batters in Afghanistan while extras contributed eight runs for them in a below-par show. Rauf was the chief culprit for Men in Navy Blue as he scalped five wickets for 18 runs while Shaheen Afridi ended with a brace. Nassem Shah and Shadab Khan also scalped with one wicket each. Earlier, Pakistan had the worst possible start to the contest as they lost two wickets for seven and were 40/3 before the end of the first powerplay. The 1992 ODI World Cup winners were on the back foot from the start as they lost wickets at consistent intervals. Imam-ul-Haq top scored with 61 runs while Shadab Khan scored 39 runs with the bat. Shadab and Naseem put together a partnership of 35 runs for the ninth wicket. ALSO READ | IN PICS | A look at India's FAIRYTALE dominance over Pakistan in ODI World Cup The two nations will now meet on Thursday, August 24 at the same ground before they start their journey in the Asia Cup. They will also meet in the third ODI on Saturday in Colombo. Pakistan will then return to their homeland to face Nepal in the curtain-raiser for the Asia Cup before traveling back to Sri Lanka to face India in the high-voltage contest. They are likely to revisit Pakistan for another game in the Super Four before a meeting with India (depending on group-stage results). Pakistan are also in the running to prepare their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India where they start against the Netherlands on Friday, October 6. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

AFG vs PAK: Haris Rauf leads Pakistan's charge in one-sided affair, beat Afghanistan by 142 runs in Hambantota

<p>A second-stringed Pakistan line-up locked horns with Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series recently, where the Shadab Khan-led Men in Green lost 2-1. After the series, a lot of questions were raised on the Pakistan team management for experimenting with the team as they went in with some inexperienced players and rested the likes of regular captain Babar Azam, Md Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi. Among the inexperienced bunch, a lot of eyes were on former Pakistan keeper-batter Moin Khan's son Azam. Azam Khan failed to get going and now ex-player Aaquib Javed has severely criticised him.</p>

<p>Azam had a good run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 edition, where he scored 238 runs at 161.90, but fell flat in the Afghanistan series and returned with 0 and 1 before being dropped for the third game, which Pakistan won by 66 runs. After his flop show, questions were raised on his selection -- with a spectator trolling him for his fitness and eating habits during the second T20I -- and now Javed has made a big remark.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-shameful-pakistan-fan-trolls-own-player-on-eating-habits-during-loss-in-afghanistan-t20is-576531">Watch: SHAMEFUL! Pakistan fan trolls own player on eating habits during loss in Afghanistan T20Is</a></strong></p>

<p>"I am not sure what sort of experiment this was. It's clear to me that no consideration was taken when selecting the squad for this series about what standard of skills and fitness levels are needed to represent Pakistan.</p>

<p>"If I was a player in that squad, I would have refused to play with this team. First, at least attain some levels of fitness before playing. Hopefully, they will have learned from this," Javed was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.</p>

<p>Pakistan lost the series opener by six wickets and fought hard but went down in the following game as well, by seven wickets, before playing for pride in the final encounter and winning it by 66 runs in Sharjah. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Azam, who didn't impress both as a batter and&nbsp;wicketkeeper, will aim for a solid comeback in his next series for the national side.</p>


A second-stringed Pakistan line-up locked horns with Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series recently, where the Shadab Khan-led Men in Green lost 2-1. After the series, a lot of questions were raised on the Pakistan team management for experimenting with the team as they went in with some inexperienced players and rested the likes of regular captain Babar Azam, Md Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi.

A second-stringed Pakistan line-up locked horns with Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series recently, where the Shadab Khan-led Men in Green lost 2-1. After the series, a lot of questions were raised on the Pakistan team management for experimenting with the team as they went in with some inexperienced players and rested the likes of regular captain Babar Azam, Md Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi. Among the inexperienced bunch, a lot of eyes were on former Pakistan keeper-batter Moin Khan's son Azam. Azam Khan failed to get going and now ex-player Aaquib Javed has severely criticised him. Azam had a good run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 edition, where he scored 238 runs at 161.90, but fell flat in the Afghanistan series and returned with 0 and 1 before being dropped for the third game, which Pakistan won by 66 runs. After his flop show, questions were raised on his selection -- with a spectator trolling him for his fitness and eating habits during the second T20I -- and now Javed has made a big remark. Also Read: Watch: SHAMEFUL! Pakistan fan trolls own player on eating habits during loss in Afghanistan T20Is "I am not sure what sort of experiment this was. It's clear to me that no consideration was taken when selecting the squad for this series about what standard of skills and fitness levels are needed to represent Pakistan. "If I was a player in that squad, I would have refused to play with this team. First, at least attain some levels of fitness before playing. Hopefully, they will have learned from this," Javed was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan. Pakistan lost the series opener by six wickets and fought hard but went down in the following game as well, by seven wickets, before playing for pride in the final encounter and winning it by 66 runs in Sharjah. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Azam, who didn't impress both as a batter and wicketkeeper, will aim for a solid comeback in his next series for the national side.

'If I was in squad, I would've refused to play' - Ex-Pak player severely criticises Azam Khan's fitness level

<p>Pakistan locked horns with Afghanistan in the just-concluded three-match T20I series in Sharjah. A second-stringed Pakistan side, under Shadab Khan, lost the series 2-1 on Monday (March 27). The Men in Green were on the verge of being whitewashed after losing the first two matches but came back strongly in the inconsequential third game to prevent a 0-3 scoreline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the series, there was a lot of focus on Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan. Azam, who had an impressive run in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023, failed to impress and returned with scores of 0, and 1. After his dismissal in the second T20I, which Pakistan lost by seven wickets after losing the series opener by six wickets, Azam was trolled by a Pakistan fan. The fan was caught on camera gesturing at Azam's fitness standards and eating habits. The video of the incident has gone viral in no time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the clip:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-kapil-dev-says-he-wants-to-abdul-razzaq-opens-up-on-his-controversial-remark-on-hardik-pandya-576485">'If Kapil Dev says he wants to...': Abdul Razzaq opens up on his controversial remark on Hardik Pandya</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This Man In crowed 😂😂😂 is not happy with Azam Khan!!!!<br />
Abusing Azam Khan on his Eating habit 😂😂 can anyone translate the signs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzamKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzamKhan</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvsAfg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvsAfg</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZKdh3JHGO">pic.twitter.com/GZKdh3JHGO</a></p>
— Muhammad Ahmad Durrani (@MAhmad9253) <a href="https://twitter.com/MAhmad9253/status/1640040581421318146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the post match press conference after the second T20I defeat, stand-in captain Shadab Khan said, "It was a good score. We were struggling again. If you look at stats, if you lose 3 wickets in powerplay, you lose 70 percent of the games. I think there's nervousness - they're playing for the first time for Pakistan (the new batters). We have to back them. Sometimes you don't perform but attitude matters. That's more important for me. They have talent. They will be great cricketers. Will play for pride tomorrow."</p>

<p>Shadab-led Pakistan, however, came back strongly and played well when they met Afghanistan in the third T20I on Monday. Playing for pride, the former T20I champions were asked to bat first and managed a competitive score; 182 for 7. In reply, Rashid Khan &amp; Co. only managed 116 all-out in 18.4 overs to lose by 66 runs. Azam, on the other hand, was not part of the playing XI for the final T20I.</p>


Pakistan locked horns with Afghanistan in the just-concluded three-match T20I series in Sharjah. A second-stringed Pakistan side, under Shadab Khan, lost the series 2-1 on Monday (March 27).

Pakistan locked horns with Afghanistan in the just-concluded three-match T20I series in Sharjah. A second-stringed Pakistan side, under Shadab Khan, lost the series 2-1 on Monday (March 27). The Men in Green were on the verge of being whitewashed after losing the first two matches but came back strongly in the inconsequential third game to prevent a 0-3 scoreline. During the series, there was a lot of focus on Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan. Azam, who had an impressive run in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023, failed to impress and returned with scores of 0, and 1. After his dismissal in the second T20I, which Pakistan lost by seven wickets after losing the series opener by six wickets, Azam was trolled by a Pakistan fan. The fan was caught on camera gesturing at Azam's fitness standards and eating habits. The video of the incident has gone viral in no time. Here's the clip: Also Read: 'If Kapil Dev says he wants to...': Abdul Razzaq opens up on his controversial remark on Hardik Pandya This Man In crowed 😂😂😂 is not happy with Azam Khan!!!! Abusing Azam Khan on his Eating habit 😂😂 can anyone translate the signs #AzamKhan#PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/GZKdh3JHGO — Muhammad Ahmad Durrani (@MAhmad9253) March 26, 2023 × In the post match press conference after the second T20I defeat, stand-in captain Shadab Khan said, "It was a good score. We were struggling again. If you look at stats, if you lose 3 wickets in powerplay, you lose 70 percent of the games. I think there's nervousness - they're playing for the first time for Pakistan (the new batters). We have to back them. Sometimes you don't perform but attitude matters. That's more important for me. They have talent. They will be great cricketers. Will play for pride tomorrow." Shadab-led Pakistan, however, came back strongly and played well when they met Afghanistan in the third T20I on Monday. Playing for pride, the former T20I champions were asked to bat first and managed a competitive score; 182 for 7. In reply, Rashid Khan & Co. only managed 116 all-out in 18.4 overs to lose by 66 runs. Azam, on the other hand, was not part of the playing XI for the final T20I.

Watch: SHAMEFUL! Pakistan fan trolls own player on eating habits during loss in Afghanistan T20Is

<p>Afghanistan beat a second-stringed Pakistan by seven wickets in the second and penultimate T20I on Sunday (March 26). Opting to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, Shadab Khan-led Men in Green only managed 130/6 before&nbsp;Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran's cautious knocks and finishing cameos from Najibullah Zadran and Md Nabi took Afghan line-up home with a ball to spare.</p>

<p>During the game, former cricketers-turned-commentator Simon Doull and Aamer Sohail got involved in a fiery exchange on live tv. The discussion was on Babar Azam, Pakistan's regular captain and best batter across formats. The New Zealander, who has criticised Babar's strike rate in the recent past, suggested that Pakistan skipper should not open the innings in T20Is but Sohail interrupted him and the video of the duo's exchange has gone viral in no time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the clip:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s the video<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAFG</a> <a href="https://t.co/z2jMGX8rIo">https://t.co/z2jMGX8rIo</a> <a href="https://t.co/PPodATg4Y4">pic.twitter.com/PPodATg4Y4</a></p>
— Sahil (@mysondaniel86is) <a href="https://twitter.com/mysondaniel86is/status/1640032814316830720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-did-my-hiv-test-team-indias-shikhar-dhawan-shares-hilarious-episode-of-when-he-got-his-first-tattoo-576219">I did my HIV Test: Team India's Shikhar Dhawan shares hilarious episode of when he got his first tattoo</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Doull:&nbsp;</strong>Babar Azam is hands down the best No 3 batsman in the world. He should not open for Pakistan. Saim and Haris should open with Rizwan in T20Is.</p>

<p><strong>Sohail:&nbsp;</strong>The T20 teams are selected on the basis of averages and not strike rates. The averages are more important than strike rates. I dont care about the strike rate, I look for the average. If you talk about best players in T20I like Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, what is the strike-rate between 135 and 137?</p>

<p><strong>Doull:</strong>&nbsp;158</p>

<p><strong>Sohail:</strong>&nbsp;Whose?</p>

<p><strong>Doull:</strong>&nbsp;Chris Gayle. AB De Villiers is 145</p>

<p><strong>Sohail:&nbsp;</strong>137 in international cricket.</p>

<p><strong>Doull:</strong>&nbsp;What's Babar's?</p>

<p>To this, Sohail didn't give a clear answer. It is to be noted that AB de Villiers' T20I strike rate is 135.16 in 78 T20I matches. However, the former South African captain boasts&nbsp;a strike rate of a whopping 150.13 in his T20 career;&nbsp; with over 300 games (340). Meanwhile, Chris Gayle had a strike rate of 137.50 in 79 T20Is for West Indies. The Universe Boss, however, struck at 144.75 in 455 T20 innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Babar's T20I strike rate is 127.80 in 94 T20I innings and it goes up by a whisker&nbsp;to&nbsp;128.46 in 246 T20 innings.</p>


Afghanistan beat a second-stringed Pakistan by seven wickets in the second and penultimate T20I on Sunday (March 26). Opting to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, Shadab Khan-led Men in Green only managed 130/6 before Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran's cautious knocks and finishing cameos from Najibullah Zadran and Md Nabi took Afghan line-up home with a ball to spare.

Afghanistan beat a second-stringed Pakistan by seven wickets in the second and penultimate T20I on Sunday (March 26). Opting to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, Shadab Khan-led Men in Green only managed 130/6 before Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran's cautious knocks and finishing cameos from Najibullah Zadran and Md Nabi took Afghan line-up home with a ball to spare. During the game, former cricketers-turned-commentator Simon Doull and Aamer Sohail got involved in a fiery exchange on live tv. The discussion was on Babar Azam, Pakistan's regular captain and best batter across formats. The New Zealander, who has criticised Babar's strike rate in the recent past, suggested that Pakistan skipper should not open the innings in T20Is but Sohail interrupted him and the video of the duo's exchange has gone viral in no time. Here's the clip: Here’s the video#PAKvAFG https://t.co/z2jMGX8rIo pic.twitter.com/PPodATg4Y4 — Sahil (@mysondaniel86is) March 26, 2023 × Also Read: I did my HIV Test: Team India's Shikhar Dhawan shares hilarious episode of when he got his first tattoo Doull: Babar Azam is hands down the best No 3 batsman in the world. He should not open for Pakistan. Saim and Haris should open with Rizwan in T20Is. Sohail: The T20 teams are selected on the basis of averages and not strike rates. The averages are more important than strike rates. I dont care about the strike rate, I look for the average. If you talk about best players in T20I like Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, what is the strike-rate between 135 and 137? Doull: 158 Sohail: Whose? Doull: Chris Gayle. AB De Villiers is 145 Sohail: 137 in international cricket. Doull: What's Babar's? To this, Sohail didn't give a clear answer. It is to be noted that AB de Villiers' T20I strike rate is 135.16 in 78 T20I matches. However, the former South African captain boasts a strike rate of a whopping 150.13 in his T20 career; with over 300 games (340). Meanwhile, Chris Gayle had a strike rate of 137.50 in 79 T20Is for West Indies. The Universe Boss, however, struck at 144.75 in 455 T20 innings. On the other hand, Babar's T20I strike rate is 127.80 in 94 T20I innings and it goes up by a whisker to 128.46 in 246 T20 innings.

Watch: Simon Doull, Aamer Sohail debate over Babar Azam's T20I strike rate on live TV during Afg-Pak tie

<p>Pakistan's leg-spinner Shadab Khan was named as captain for the Afghanistan T20Is on Monday as star players like regular skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan among others rested. The PCB, in a statement, said some of the players got rest keeping in mind their workloads going forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement further stated considering the 2024 T20 World Cup, the board decided to name a new-looking highly-talented squad for the Afghanistan T20Is, which start on March 24th in Sharjah.</p>

<p>"With one eye on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and the other on ensuring the careers of their elite cricketers are extended by strategically managing their workloads, the Pakistan cricket selectors today named a new-look and highly-talented 15-player squad," the release stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-pondering-over-resting-babar-azam-mohammad-rizwan-for-afghanistan-new-zealand-t20is-to-manage-workloads-571072">PCB pondering over resting Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan for Afghanistan, New Zealand T20Is to manage workloads</a></p>

<p>While the stars are given the required rest, the board picked a few young and new faces in Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan, whereas, Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim also got recalled to the Pakistan T20I side. On the flip side, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah got dropped.</p>

<p>The board also appointed former batter Mohammad Yousuf as the interim head and batting coach for the Afghanistan T20Is. Whereas&nbsp;the chair of the selection committee Haroon Rashid explained why top names are missing from the squad, saying to ensure their smooth transition from competitive cricket to international and for them to regroup, they got rested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Babar, Fakhar, Haris, Rizwan and Shaheen have been provided breaks from the short Sharjah trip to allow them to switch off from competitive cricket so that they can complete their rehabilitations, regroup, recompose and recharge their batteries and be fully fit for the challenges in the tough and challenging 2023-24 season," said Chair of the selection committee, Haroon Rashid.</p>

<p>PCB chairman Najam Sethi also commented on Shadab’s promotion to becoming a T20I captain, saying, "I want to congratulate Shadab Khan on his appointment as the Pakistan team captain for the series against Afghanistan. Shadab Khan has been the Pakistan vice-captain in white-ball cricket for the past couple of years and, logically, he takes over the side in the absence of Babar Azam for the short three-match T20I tour of Sharjah.</p>

<p><strong>Here is Pakistan’s 15-man T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.</p>


Pakistan's leg-spinner Shadab Khan was named as captain for the Afghanistan T20Is on Monday as star players like regular skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan among others rested.

Pakistan's leg-spinner Shadab Khan was named as captain for the Afghanistan T20Is on Monday as star players like regular skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan among others rested. The PCB, in a statement, said some of the players got rest keeping in mind their workloads going forward. The statement further stated considering the 2024 T20 World Cup, the board decided to name a new-looking highly-talented squad for the Afghanistan T20Is, which start on March 24th in Sharjah. "With one eye on the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and the other on ensuring the careers of their elite cricketers are extended by strategically managing their workloads, the Pakistan cricket selectors today named a new-look and highly-talented 15-player squad," the release stated. ALSO READ: PCB pondering over resting Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan for Afghanistan, New Zealand T20Is to manage workloads While the stars are given the required rest, the board picked a few young and new faces in Ihsanullah, Saim Ayub, Tayyab Tahir and Zaman Khan, whereas, Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim also got recalled to the Pakistan T20I side. On the flip side, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Khushdil Shah got dropped. The board also appointed former batter Mohammad Yousuf as the interim head and batting coach for the Afghanistan T20Is. Whereas the chair of the selection committee Haroon Rashid explained why top names are missing from the squad, saying to ensure their smooth transition from competitive cricket to international and for them to regroup, they got rested. "Babar, Fakhar, Haris, Rizwan and Shaheen have been provided breaks from the short Sharjah trip to allow them to switch off from competitive cricket so that they can complete their rehabilitations, regroup, recompose and recharge their batteries and be fully fit for the challenges in the tough and challenging 2023-24 season," said Chair of the selection committee, Haroon Rashid. PCB chairman Najam Sethi also commented on Shadab’s promotion to becoming a T20I captain, saying, "I want to congratulate Shadab Khan on his appointment as the Pakistan team captain for the series against Afghanistan. Shadab Khan has been the Pakistan vice-captain in white-ball cricket for the past couple of years and, logically, he takes over the side in the absence of Babar Azam for the short three-match T20I tour of Sharjah. Here is Pakistan’s 15-man T20I squad for the Afghanistan series – Shadab Khan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.

Shadab Khan named captain for Afghanistan T20Is as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi among others rested

<p>Pakistan legend Javed Miandad has lashed out at Afghanistan for their 'bad behaviour' against Pakistani players during the clash between the two sides in the Asia Cup 2022 earlier this week. Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 1 wicket in a thrilling contest to secure a spot in the final of the tournament.</p>

<p>There was drama on the field during Pakistan's run chase in the game as the players from both sides were involved in some heated moments. It all started in the 19th over of Pakistan's innings when Afghanistan's Fareed Ahmad dismissed Asif Ali on 16.</p>

<p>Fareed celebrated wildly after Ali's dismissal prompting the Pakistan batter to walk up to him and exchange a few words with him. Asif then raised his bat threatening to hit the Afghanistan pacer before hitting him with his elbow. Asif was criticised by many on social media for his reaction but several former Pakistan players have been blaming Afghanistan for provoking Asif.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-aaron-finch-gets-guard-of-honour-from-new-zealand-players-ahead-of-his-final-odi-for-australia-515071">WATCH -&nbsp;Aaron Finch gets guard of honour from New Zealand players ahead of his final ODI for Australia</a></p>

<p>Miandad is the latest former Pakistan cricketer to join the bandwagon and has slammed Afghanistan players for their behaviour.</p>

<p>"Pakistan played well but I’m disappointed with the team (Afghanistan)&nbsp;they defeated. Just because their behaviour is so bad nowadays. We brought them into the picture, they used to practice in Pakistan. And now, just see their language. How older are they? They haven’t played that much cricket, have they lost their minds?" Miandad said while speaking to 'Events &amp; Happenings Sports'.</p>

<p>"Pakistan have been playing the game for 20 years now. They came here and learned the game. I’m the witness because I coached them. But I was baffled to see how they behaved as if they were superstars. Your cricket is nothing. Learn how to play the game. There are numerous aspects of cricket. If you are sincere, humble and give respect (to each other), your game will get better," he added.</p>

<p>It was a must-win clash for Afghanistan and they produced a brilliant fight against Pakistan before going down. Afghanistan almost had the game in their bag at one stage during Pakistan's run chase when the Men in Green were reduced to 118/9 on the penultimate delivery of the 19th over.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/painful-for-us-pakistan-spinner-hopes-to-win-asia-cup-for-those-devastated-by-floods-at-home-514989">'Painful for us'- Pakistan spinner hopes to win Asia Cup for those devastated by floods at home</a></p>

<p>With 11 runs to get off the last over, many backed Afghanistan to defend it and win the game. However, Pakistan's no.10 Naseem Shah slammed back-to-back sixes to play a match-winning cameo for his team and wrap up the run-chase comfortably with four balls to spare.</p>

<p>Pakistan secured a spot in the final of the tournament with their thrilling victory and will now face Sri Lanka in the title clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday.</p>


Pakistan legend Javed Miandad has lashed out at Afghanistan for their 'bad behaviour' against Pakistani players during the clash between the two sides in the Asia Cup 2022 earlier this week.

Pakistan legend Javed Miandad has lashed out at Afghanistan for their 'bad behaviour' against Pakistani players during the clash between the two sides in the Asia Cup 2022 earlier this week. Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 1 wicket in a thrilling contest to secure a spot in the final of the tournament. There was drama on the field during Pakistan's run chase in the game as the players from both sides were involved in some heated moments. It all started in the 19th over of Pakistan's innings when Afghanistan's Fareed Ahmad dismissed Asif Ali on 16. Fareed celebrated wildly after Ali's dismissal prompting the Pakistan batter to walk up to him and exchange a few words with him. Asif then raised his bat threatening to hit the Afghanistan pacer before hitting him with his elbow. Asif was criticised by many on social media for his reaction but several former Pakistan players have been blaming Afghanistan for provoking Asif. Also Read: WATCH - Aaron Finch gets guard of honour from New Zealand players ahead of his final ODI for Australia Miandad is the latest former Pakistan cricketer to join the bandwagon and has slammed Afghanistan players for their behaviour. "Pakistan played well but I’m disappointed with the team (Afghanistan) they defeated. Just because their behaviour is so bad nowadays. We brought them into the picture, they used to practice in Pakistan. And now, just see their language. How older are they? They haven’t played that much cricket, have they lost their minds?" Miandad said while speaking to 'Events & Happenings Sports'. "Pakistan have been playing the game for 20 years now. They came here and learned the game. I’m the witness because I coached them. But I was baffled to see how they behaved as if they were superstars. Your cricket is nothing. Learn how to play the game. There are numerous aspects of cricket. If you are sincere, humble and give respect (to each other), your game will get better," he added. It was a must-win clash for Afghanistan and they produced a brilliant fight against Pakistan before going down. Afghanistan almost had the game in their bag at one stage during Pakistan's run chase when the Men in Green were reduced to 118/9 on the penultimate delivery of the 19th over. Also Read: 'Painful for us'- Pakistan spinner hopes to win Asia Cup for those devastated by floods at home With 11 runs to get off the last over, many backed Afghanistan to defend it and win the game. However, Pakistan's no.10 Naseem Shah slammed back-to-back sixes to play a match-winning cameo for his team and wrap up the run-chase comfortably with four balls to spare. Pakistan secured a spot in the final of the tournament with their thrilling victory and will now face Sri Lanka in the title clash at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday.

'Have they lost their minds': Javed Miandad slams Afghanistan for bad behaviour against Pakistan in Asia Cup

<p>&nbsp;Pakistan batter Asif Ali and Afghanistan fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have both been fined 25 per cent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup match in Sharjah on Wednesday. Afghanistan seamer Fareed Ahmed had a mouthful to utter to Pakistan batter, Asif Ali, as he sent him packing during the penultimate over of the match."Asif was found to have breached Article 2.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match" while Fareed was found to have breached Article 2.1.12, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match," ICC said in an official statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-asif-ali-fareed-malik-involve-in-ugly-exchange-in-last-over-thriller-between-pakistan-afghanistan-513974">Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition to this, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the players, both of whom did not have any previous offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 19th over of Pakistan`s innings, when Fareed came up and made inappropriate physical contact with Asif after dismissing him and the batter reacted with an aggressive gesture of the bat. Both players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Anil Chaudhary and Jayaraman Madangopal, third umpire Gazi Sohel and fourth umpire Raveendra Wimalasari levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player`s match fee, and one or two demerit points.</p>


Pakistan batter Asif Ali and Afghanistan fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have both been fined 25 per cent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup match in Sharjah on Wednesday.

Pakistan batter Asif Ali and Afghanistan fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have both been fined 25 per cent of their match fees for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup match in Sharjah on Wednesday. Afghanistan seamer Fareed Ahmed had a mouthful to utter to Pakistan batter, Asif Ali, as he sent him packing during the penultimate over of the match."Asif was found to have breached Article 2.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International Match" while Fareed was found to have breached Article 2.1.12, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match," ICC said in an official statement. ALSO READ | Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan In addition to this, one demerit point each has been added to the disciplinary records of the players, both of whom did not have any previous offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 19th over of Pakistan`s innings, when Fareed came up and made inappropriate physical contact with Asif after dismissing him and the batter reacted with an aggressive gesture of the bat. Both players admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Anil Chaudhary and Jayaraman Madangopal, third umpire Gazi Sohel and fourth umpire Raveendra Wimalasari levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player`s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Pakistan's Asif Ali, Afghanistan pacer Fareed Ahmad fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

<p>Pakistan met Afghanistan in their Super Four clash at the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Wednesday (September 7), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. A win for the Babar Azam-led Men in Green would've secured them a spot in the tournament final, with Sri Lanka. On the other hand,&nbsp;a victory for Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan line-up would've kept the tournament alive, with India also breathing for another day.</p>

<p>Eventually, Pakistan emerged on top in a humdinger of a clash as Naseem Shah -- playing&nbsp;his fourth T20I and who had&nbsp;batted only once prior to this -- smacked two sixes on the trot in the last over to help his side complete a tricky 130-run chase. Being asked to bat first, Afghanistan managed 129-6 but bounced back in style in the middle overs during the second half to reduce&nbsp;Pakistan to 110/8, from 87/3. Thus, they&nbsp;only had to get one more wicket going into the final over.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan needed 11 off 6 balls with Naseem-Mohammad Hasnain in the middle. The 19-year-old Naseem hit two successive sixes to finish the run-chase in an emphatic fashion, with four balls to spare. His big strokes sent Pakistani fans into a frenzy as the Men in Green dugout charged into the middle with the players going bonkers. <strong>Here's the video of Naseem's sixes:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The winning sixes from Naseem Shah🔥 Pakistan goes straight into the final 🇵🇰<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STARZPLAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STARZPLAY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asiacup22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#asiacup22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watchlive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watchlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricketlive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricketlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricketmatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricketmatch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teampakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teampakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teamafghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teamafghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crickethighlights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crickethighlights</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMupmwKKGA">pic.twitter.com/aMupmwKKGA</a></p>
— Cricket on STARZPLAY (@starzplaymasala) <a href="https://twitter.com/starzplaymasala/status/1567569888738439170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-asif-ali-fareed-malik-involve-in-ugly-exchange-in-last-over-thriller-between-pakistan-afghanistan-513974"><strong>Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan</strong></a></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, skipper Babar opined on Naseem's big shots and said, "&nbsp;At the back of the mind, I have seen Naseem play like this earlier, and I had the belief in him. This moment reminds me of Javed Miandad's six."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan continued sealing matches from Afghanistan's mouths as their last four face-offs have all gone down to the wire. <strong>Here's how the last four matches between both sides have gone by:</strong></p>

<p>Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan won with 3 balls to spare<br />
ODI World Cup 2019: Pak won with 2 balls to spare<br />
T20I World Cup 2021: Pak won with 6 balls to spare<br />
Asia Cup 2022: Babar &amp; Co. won with 4 balls to spare</p>


Pakistan met Afghanistan in their Super Four clash at the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Wednesday (September 7), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. A win for the Babar Azam-led Men in Green would've secured them a spot in the tournament final, with Sri Lanka.

Pakistan met Afghanistan in their Super Four clash at the Asia Cup 2022 edition, on Wednesday (September 7), at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. A win for the Babar Azam-led Men in Green would've secured them a spot in the tournament final, with Sri Lanka. On the other hand, a victory for Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan line-up would've kept the tournament alive, with India also breathing for another day. Eventually, Pakistan emerged on top in a humdinger of a clash as Naseem Shah -- playing his fourth T20I and who had batted only once prior to this -- smacked two sixes on the trot in the last over to help his side complete a tricky 130-run chase. Being asked to bat first, Afghanistan managed 129-6 but bounced back in style in the middle overs during the second half to reduce Pakistan to 110/8, from 87/3. Thus, they only had to get one more wicket going into the final over. Meanwhile, Pakistan needed 11 off 6 balls with Naseem-Mohammad Hasnain in the middle. The 19-year-old Naseem hit two successive sixes to finish the run-chase in an emphatic fashion, with four balls to spare. His big strokes sent Pakistani fans into a frenzy as the Men in Green dugout charged into the middle with the players going bonkers. Here's the video of Naseem's sixes: The winning sixes from Naseem Shah🔥 Pakistan goes straight into the final 🇵🇰#STARZPLAY #AsiaCup #AsiaCup2022 #asiacup22 #Watchlive #cricketlive #cricketmatch #teampakistan #teamafghanistan #crickethighlights pic.twitter.com/aMupmwKKGA — Cricket on STARZPLAY (@starzplaymasala) September 7, 2022 × ALSO READ | Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan At the post-match presentation, skipper Babar opined on Naseem's big shots and said, " At the back of the mind, I have seen Naseem play like this earlier, and I had the belief in him. This moment reminds me of Javed Miandad's six." Meanwhile, Pakistan continued sealing matches from Afghanistan's mouths as their last four face-offs have all gone down to the wire. Here's how the last four matches between both sides have gone by: Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan won with 3 balls to spare ODI World Cup 2019: Pak won with 2 balls to spare T20I World Cup 2021: Pak won with 6 balls to spare Asia Cup 2022: Babar & Co. won with 4 balls to spare

WATCH: Naseem's two successive sixes that led Pakistan to Asia Cup final, eliminating India & Afghanistan

<p>Pakistan and Afghanistan were engaged in a humdinger at the Asia Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (September 07). Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, both sides entered the game with a different agenda on mind. A win for Pakistan would've ensured them a place in the final, along with Sri Lanka, whereas Afghanistan had to emerge on top to remain alive in the Super Four.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's win would've kept India alive in the tournament as well, for another day, but Naseem Shah's last-over sixes sealed Pakistan-Sri Lanka final. Being asked to bat first, Afghanistan only managed 129-6 on a tricky surface with Haris Rauf standing tall for the Men in Green, returning with 2 for 26. In reply, contributions from Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and finishing cameos from Asif Ali-Naseem took Pakistan home by a wicket in another last-over finish at the Asia Cup.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-afghanistan-fans-hurl-chairs-at-pakistani-fans-following-crushing-defeat-watch-video-513944">Asia Cup: Afghanistan fans hurl chairs at Pakistanis following crushing defeat. Watch video</a></strong></p>

<p>However, tempers flared in the 22-yard cricket strip as Asif and Afghan pacer Fareed Ahmad Malik -- who ended with 3 for 31 -- got involved in an ugly spat. The incident happened in the 19th over when Asif got out -- after hitting a six -- and Fareed celebrated in his face. Just then, Asif told him to stay away from him and even showed him the bat; as a warning that he would hit him. Afghan pacer Azmutullah Omarzai was quick to join in but as the incident turned uglier, umpires and more Afghan players came to separate the two whereas Pakistan's 12th man Hasan Ali asked the opposition side to remain calm.</p>

<p><strong>Here's the video of the infamous episode:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asif and Fareed Ahmed Fight during match then umpire interfere between them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/asiacup22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#asiacup22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAFG</a> <a href="https://t.co/IUeVqTVQCR">pic.twitter.com/IUeVqTVQCR</a></p>
— Sufyan Ashiq (@sufyankayani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sufyankayani/status/1567572235510054914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Babar said, "To be honest, the dressing room was very tensed. The team was walking in and out of the dressing room. Excellent with the way Naseem Shah finished it off. Sharjah is always low-scoring, and Mujeeb and Rashid Khan are two of the best bowlers. We just wanted to take the match deep. The way we started with the ball was excellent. In our batting, we didn't execute our plans very well, but Naseem was outstanding. At the back of the mind, I have seen Naseem play like this earlier, and I had the belief in him. This moment reminds me of Javed Miandad's six. We would like to continue this momentum and not repeat our mistakes. Every day is a different day, and we would like to take it day by day."</p>


Pakistan and Afghanistan were engaged in a humdinger at the Asia Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (September 07). Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, both sides entered the game with a different agenda on mind.

Pakistan and Afghanistan were engaged in a humdinger at the Asia Cup 2022 edition on Wednesday (September 07). Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, both sides entered the game with a different agenda on mind. A win for Pakistan would've ensured them a place in the final, along with Sri Lanka, whereas Afghanistan had to emerge on top to remain alive in the Super Four. Afghanistan's win would've kept India alive in the tournament as well, for another day, but Naseem Shah's last-over sixes sealed Pakistan-Sri Lanka final. Being asked to bat first, Afghanistan only managed 129-6 on a tricky surface with Haris Rauf standing tall for the Men in Green, returning with 2 for 26. In reply, contributions from Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and finishing cameos from Asif Ali-Naseem took Pakistan home by a wicket in another last-over finish at the Asia Cup. ALSO READ | Asia Cup: Afghanistan fans hurl chairs at Pakistanis following crushing defeat. Watch video However, tempers flared in the 22-yard cricket strip as Asif and Afghan pacer Fareed Ahmad Malik -- who ended with 3 for 31 -- got involved in an ugly spat. The incident happened in the 19th over when Asif got out -- after hitting a six -- and Fareed celebrated in his face. Just then, Asif told him to stay away from him and even showed him the bat; as a warning that he would hit him. Afghan pacer Azmutullah Omarzai was quick to join in but as the incident turned uglier, umpires and more Afghan players came to separate the two whereas Pakistan's 12th man Hasan Ali asked the opposition side to remain calm. Here's the video of the infamous episode: Asif and Fareed Ahmed Fight during match then umpire interfere between them. #AsiaCup2022 #AsiaCup #asiacup22 #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/IUeVqTVQCR — Sufyan Ashiq (@sufyankayani) September 7, 2022 × At the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Babar said, "To be honest, the dressing room was very tensed. The team was walking in and out of the dressing room. Excellent with the way Naseem Shah finished it off. Sharjah is always low-scoring, and Mujeeb and Rashid Khan are two of the best bowlers. We just wanted to take the match deep. The way we started with the ball was excellent. In our batting, we didn't execute our plans very well, but Naseem was outstanding. At the back of the mind, I have seen Naseem play like this earlier, and I had the belief in him. This moment reminds me of Javed Miandad's six. We would like to continue this momentum and not repeat our mistakes. Every day is a different day, and we would like to take it day by day."

Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan

<p>Things went out of hand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Wednesday evening (September 7) after Babar Azam-led Pakistan edged past Afghanistan by one wicket in a last-over thriller at the Asia Cup. In another riveting Super Four clash, Babar &amp; Co. chased down a tricky 130-run target, after being reduced to 110/8, courtesy of Naseem Shah's twin sixes in the last over.</p>

<p>With this, Pakistan booked a spot in the final where they will face Sri Lanka on September 11 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan's win led to both Afghanistan and India being&nbsp;eliminated. As a result, the Afghan fans went berserk and created a huge ruckus by&nbsp;breaking chairs and throwing them at Pakistan supporters in the stands. The video of Afghan-Pakistani&nbsp;fans' unruly exchange went viral in no time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-asif-ali-fareed-malik-involve-in-ugly-exchange-in-last-over-thriller-between-pakistan-afghanistan-513974">Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar shared the clip on his Twitter account and wrote, "This is what Afghan fans are doing. This is what they've done in the past multiple times. This is a game and it's supposed to be played and taken in the right spirit.@ShafiqStanikzai your crowd &amp; your players both need to learn a few things if you guys want to grow in the sport."</p>

<section>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what Afghan fans are doing.<br />
This is what they've done in the past multiple times.This is a game and its supposed to be played and taken in the right spirit.<a href="https://twitter.com/ShafiqStanikzai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShafiqStanikzai</a> your crowd &amp; your players both need to learn a few things if you guys want to grow in the sport. <a href="https://t.co/rg57D0c7t8">pic.twitter.com/rg57D0c7t8</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1567589651598172161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>It seems like the situation has gone south&nbsp;on Twitter as well. Following the former Pakistan speedster's tweet, ex-Afghanistan Cricket Board's chief Shafiq Stanikzai came hard at him and replied, "You can't control the emotions of the crowd and such incidents happened in the world of cricket multiple, you should go ask Kabir Khan, Inzamam Bhai and @iRashidLatif68 how we treated them. Am giving you an advice next time baat ko nation pe Mat lena (Don't include the whole nation from next time)."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can’t control the emotions of the crowd and such incidents happened in the world of cricket multiple, you should go ask Kabir Khan, Inzimam Bhai and <a href="https://twitter.com/iRashidLatif68?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iRashidLatif68</a> how we treated them. Am giving you an advice next time baat ko nation pe Mat lena <a href="https://t.co/JQTgzWBNqL">https://t.co/JQTgzWBNqL</a></p>
— Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShafiqStanikzai/status/1567590990013427712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-is-looking-uncomfortable-he-is-shouting-screaming-says-shoaib-akhtar-after-indias-asia-cup-exit-514008"><strong>Rohit looking uncomfortable, was shouting &amp; screaming, says Akhtar after India's Asia Cup debacle</strong></a></p>

<p>This isn't the first such incident when Afghanistan-Pakistan fans created a huge scene and made heads turn for all the wrong reasons post a face-off between both teams. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, the supporters of both the Asian teams were involved in a&nbsp;series of scuffles at Leeds, Headingley after the then Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Men in Green defeated the Afghan line-up by three wickets in an exciting contest.</p>

<p>The rivalry between both sides has made a lot of noise in recent times. <strong>Here's how the last four face-offs between Pakistan-Afghanistan have panned out:</strong></p>

<p>Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan won with 3 balls to spare<br />
ODI World Cup 2019: Pak won with 2 balls to spare<br />
T20I World Cup 2021: Pak won with 6 balls to spare<br />
Asia Cup 2022: Babar &amp; Co. won with 4 balls to spare</p>
</section>


Things went out of hand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Wednesday evening (September 7) after Babar Azam-led Pakistan edged past Afghanistan by one wicket in a last-over thriller at the Asia Cup.

Things went out of hand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah on Wednesday evening (September 7) after Babar Azam-led Pakistan edged past Afghanistan by one wicket in a last-over thriller at the Asia Cup. In another riveting Super Four clash, Babar & Co. chased down a tricky 130-run target, after being reduced to 110/8, courtesy of Naseem Shah's twin sixes in the last over. With this, Pakistan booked a spot in the final where they will face Sri Lanka on September 11 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan's win led to both Afghanistan and India being eliminated. As a result, the Afghan fans went berserk and created a huge ruckus by breaking chairs and throwing them at Pakistan supporters in the stands. The video of Afghan-Pakistani fans' unruly exchange went viral in no time. ALSO READ | Watch: Asif Ali, Fareed Malik involve in ugly exchange in last-over thriller between Pakistan-Afghanistan Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar shared the clip on his Twitter account and wrote, "This is what Afghan fans are doing. This is what they've done in the past multiple times. This is a game and it's supposed to be played and taken in the right spirit.@ShafiqStanikzai your crowd & your players both need to learn a few things if you guys want to grow in the sport." This is what Afghan fans are doing. This is what they've done in the past multiple times.This is a game and its supposed to be played and taken in the right spirit.@ShafiqStanikzai your crowd & your players both need to learn a few things if you guys want to grow in the sport. pic.twitter.com/rg57D0c7t8 — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 7, 2022 × It seems like the situation has gone south on Twitter as well. Following the former Pakistan speedster's tweet, ex-Afghanistan Cricket Board's chief Shafiq Stanikzai came hard at him and replied, "You can't control the emotions of the crowd and such incidents happened in the world of cricket multiple, you should go ask Kabir Khan, Inzamam Bhai and @iRashidLatif68 how we treated them. Am giving you an advice next time baat ko nation pe Mat lena (Don't include the whole nation from next time)." You can’t control the emotions of the crowd and such incidents happened in the world of cricket multiple, you should go ask Kabir Khan, Inzimam Bhai and @iRashidLatif68 how we treated them. Am giving you an advice next time baat ko nation pe Mat lena https://t.co/JQTgzWBNqL — Shafiq Stanikzai (@ShafiqStanikzai) September 7, 2022 × ALSO READ | Rohit looking uncomfortable, was shouting & screaming, says Akhtar after India's Asia Cup debacle This isn't the first such incident when Afghanistan-Pakistan fans created a huge scene and made heads turn for all the wrong reasons post a face-off between both teams. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, the supporters of both the Asian teams were involved in a series of scuffles at Leeds, Headingley after the then Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Men in Green defeated the Afghan line-up by three wickets in an exciting contest. The rivalry between both sides has made a lot of noise in recent times. Here's how the last four face-offs between Pakistan-Afghanistan have panned out: Asia Cup 2018: Pakistan won with 3 balls to spare ODI World Cup 2019: Pak won with 2 balls to spare T20I World Cup 2021: Pak won with 6 balls to spare Asia Cup 2022: Babar & Co. won with 4 balls to spare

Asia Cup: Shoaib Akhtar, ex-ACB chief at loggerheads after unruly scene between Pakistan-Afghanistan fans

<p>Young fast bowler Naseem Shah turned out to be the hero with the bat for his country as he slammed two consecutive sixes against Fazalhaq Farooqi in the final over to take Pakistan home in a thrilling run chase in their Super Four clash against Afghanistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday (September 07).</p>

<p>Defending a low-key total of 129 runs, Afghanistan nearly had the game in their bag when Pakistan required 11 runs off the 20th over with just one wicket in hand and two tail-enders out in the middle. However, number ten Naseem had other plans as he finished the game off in style with back-to-back sixes to take Pakistan into the final and set up a mouthwatering title clash with Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Pakistan's 1-wicket win against Afghanistan has also confirmed defending champions India's exit from Asia Cup 2022. Afghanistan too have been dumped out of the race for the final after losing their first two Super Four games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They will now meet India in their last game on Thursday.</p>

<p>It was yet another action-packed game&nbsp;in Asia Cup as the low-scoring thriller went down the wire in Sharjah before Naseem pulled off an absolutely stunning victory for Pakistan. Chasing a mere 130, Pakistan got off to a poor start and were left reeling at 45/3 inside nine overs before Shadab Khan (36) combined with Iftikhar Ahmed (30) to add&nbsp;42 runs for the fourth wicket and steady the ship for their team.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/too-much-crap-rohit-sharma-says-indian-players-ignore-social-media-amid-arshdeep-singhs-brutal-trolling-513878">'Too much crap': Rohit Sharma says Indian players ignore social media amid Arshdeep Singh's brutal trolling</a></p>

<p>Pakistan lost the plot after Ahmed's departure in the 16th over as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The Afghanistan bowlers did a stellar job to keep their team in the game till the final over with 11 runs to defend off the 20th. However, Farooqi, who had a great game until the final over, was smoked for two sixes by a tail-ender to end both India and Afghanistan's hopes of qualifying for the final.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan's victory confirms India's exit</strong></p>

<p>India had started the tournament as the titles favourites and the defending champions lived up to their tag in the group stage with two straight wins in their first two games. However, an injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja forced them to change their team combination which saw their campaign getting derailed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bhuvneshwar-kumar-has-no-pace-pakistan-legend-wasim-akram-on-indias-death-bowling-woes-against-sri-lanka-513752">&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar has no pace: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram on India's death bowling woes against Sri Lanka</a></p>

<p>India suffered a five-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their Super Four opener before suffering yet another loss in a similar fashion against Sri Lanka in their next game to stand on the brink of elimination. Their chances of making it to the final were slim after the two losses and their fate lied in the hands of other teams.</p>

<p>India needed Afghanistan to beat Pakistan on Wednesday to remain alive in the competition. However, Pakistan's victory in Sharjah means they now have two wins from two games along with Sri Lanka, enough for both teams to reach the final. India and Afghanistan, with just one game remaining, will play against each other on Thursday in a dead rubber.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Young fast bowler Naseem Shah turned out to be the hero with the bat for his country as he slammed two consecutive sixes against Fazalhaq Farooqi in the final over to take Pakistan home in a thrilling run chase in their Super Four clash against Afghanistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday (September 07).

Young fast bowler Naseem Shah turned out to be the hero with the bat for his country as he slammed two consecutive sixes against Fazalhaq Farooqi in the final over to take Pakistan home in a thrilling run chase in their Super Four clash against Afghanistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 on Wednesday (September 07). Defending a low-key total of 129 runs, Afghanistan nearly had the game in their bag when Pakistan required 11 runs off the 20th over with just one wicket in hand and two tail-enders out in the middle. However, number ten Naseem had other plans as he finished the game off in style with back-to-back sixes to take Pakistan into the final and set up a mouthwatering title clash with Sri Lanka. Pakistan's 1-wicket win against Afghanistan has also confirmed defending champions India's exit from Asia Cup 2022. Afghanistan too have been dumped out of the race for the final after losing their first two Super Four games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They will now meet India in their last game on Thursday. It was yet another action-packed game in Asia Cup as the low-scoring thriller went down the wire in Sharjah before Naseem pulled off an absolutely stunning victory for Pakistan. Chasing a mere 130, Pakistan got off to a poor start and were left reeling at 45/3 inside nine overs before Shadab Khan (36) combined with Iftikhar Ahmed (30) to add 42 runs for the fourth wicket and steady the ship for their team. Also Read: 'Too much crap': Rohit Sharma says Indian players ignore social media amid Arshdeep Singh's brutal trolling Pakistan lost the plot after Ahmed's departure in the 16th over as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The Afghanistan bowlers did a stellar job to keep their team in the game till the final over with 11 runs to defend off the 20th. However, Farooqi, who had a great game until the final over, was smoked for two sixes by a tail-ender to end both India and Afghanistan's hopes of qualifying for the final. Pakistan's victory confirms India's exit India had started the tournament as the titles favourites and the defending champions lived up to their tag in the group stage with two straight wins in their first two games. However, an injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja forced them to change their team combination which saw their campaign getting derailed. Also Read: Bhuvneshwar has no pace: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram on India's death bowling woes against Sri Lanka India suffered a five-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their Super Four opener before suffering yet another loss in a similar fashion against Sri Lanka in their next game to stand on the brink of elimination. Their chances of making it to the final were slim after the two losses and their fate lied in the hands of other teams. India needed Afghanistan to beat Pakistan on Wednesday to remain alive in the competition. However, Pakistan's victory in Sharjah means they now have two wins from two games along with Sri Lanka, enough for both teams to reach the final. India and Afghanistan, with just one game remaining, will play against each other on Thursday in a dead rubber.

India eliminated from Asia Cup 2022 as Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 1 wicket in thrilling Super 4 clash