"No longer the underdogs! This is their yard now!"- Fans hail Afghanistan after their historic win against Pakistan in 2023 World Cup

Afghanistan beat Pakistan comprehensively by eight wickets in the 22nd match of the 2023 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday (October 23). It was their first ever win against Pakistan in ODIs.

After opting to bat first in the contest, Pakistan scored 282/7 in 50 overs. Babar Azam (70) and Abdullah Shafique (54) hit half-centuries in the top order, while Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with 40s in the middle order to help Pakistan reach a respectable total.

18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad was the pick of Afghan bowlers as he scalped three crucial wickets on his World Cup debut.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) then put on a 130-run opening partnership to provide a solid platform for their side in the chase. Rahmat Shah (77*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) capitalized on it and took Afghanistan home in 49 overs.

Several former cricketers and fans were delighted after witnessing a spirited performance from Afghanistan. They heaped praise on them through their reactions on X.

Here are some of the best reactions:

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"This win tastes nice and the way we chased was very professional"- Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi

At the post-match presentation, Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said that it felt great to secure a win against Pakistan after a couple of close defeats over the past few years. He lauded the batting unit for going about their business professionally in the chase. Reflecting on the win, Shahidi said:

"This win tastes nice and the way we chased was very professional. Looking forward to the other games. The way we chased today, we will go again in the other games. The quality cricket we were playing from the last couple of years, the belief was there in the Asia Cup also. At the start of the tournament I said that we want to make this tournament special for our people back home."

On their campaign in the World Cup, he added:

"To beat England and then Pakistan, hopefully we'll keep playing well. The bowling was also good, especially the spin department. We gave a chance to Noor and trusted his talent. Gurbaz and Ibrahim, the way they started, gave us the confidence. The game was in our hand from the beginning till the end. The last partnership between Rahmat and me was awesome."

Afghanistan will next face Sri Lanka on October 30 in Pune.