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Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran has stated that he will frame the bat with which he scored a match-winning 87 in the historic triumph over Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.
Afghanistan’s win over Pakistan in Chennai was their maiden triumph over the opposition in the ODI format. Heading into the clash, Afghanistan had lost their previous seven ODI encounters against Pakistan.
Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first in the match against Afghanistan. Pakistan posted 282/7 on the board as the skipper top-scored with 74 off 92 balls. At the death, Iftikhar Ahmed clubbed 40 off 27 balls. However, Afghanistan gunned down the target in 49 overs, with eight wickets in hand.
Ibrahim top-scored for his side in the chase with 87 off 113 balls. He added 130 for the opening wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53). Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48* off 45) guided Afghanistan to a famous triumph after the exit of the openers.
Reflecting on the historic victory, Ibrahim said in a video posted on ICC’s Instagram handle:
“I am going to keep this bat in the frame. Unfortunately, I missed my hundred from this bat. I wanted to win the game for my country Afghanistan. Finish the game with this bat.”
Ibrahim struck 10 fours in his wonderful knock before being caught behind off Hasan Ali’s bowling. His opening partner Gurbaz also showed plenty of aggression, smashing nine fours and a six. Rahmat and Shahidi then brought their experience into play to take the team home.
Ibrahim Zadran dedicated the POTM award to Afghans being deported from Pakistan
After being named Player of the Match for his fantastic batting effort, Ibrahim dedicated his award to Afghans who are being deported from Pakistan.
He said at the post-match presentation ceremony:
“I would like to dedicate his award to those who are sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan.”
The 21-year-old batter’s statement came in the wake of reports that all undocumented refugees have been asked to leave Pakistan by November 1. According to Pakistani authorities, over 51,000 Afghans have been deported since the deadline for the expulsion of undocumented migrants was announced.
Approximately 1.73 million Afghans in Pakistan reportedly lack legal documentation.
