Cricket is more than just a sport in countries like Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard—it’s a passion that unites millions of fans. When the Pakistan National Cricket Team takes on the Afghanistan National Cricket Team, the excitement reaches a fever pitch. These matches are not only about runs and wickets but also about pride, rivalry, and the spirit of the game. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of a memorable Pakistan vs Afghanistan match, breaking down the scorecard, key moments, standout performances, and what made this clash unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious about the game, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The Context: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry
The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard is a fascinating one, rooted in history, culture, and geography. The two nations share a border, and many Afghan players have honed their skills in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuits. Over the years, Afghanistan has emerged as a formidable force in international cricket, challenging established teams like Pakistan with their raw talent and determination.
One of the most iconic encounters between these two teams took place during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Afghanistan pulled off a historic victory, defeating Pakistan by 8 wickets in a chase that stunned the cricketing world. Let’s break down the match scorecard and relive the excitement of that day.
Match Overview: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, ICC World Cup 2023
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Date: October 23, 2023
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Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
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Format: One Day International (ODI)
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Result: Afghanistan won by 8 wickets
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Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
This match was a defining moment for Afghanistan, marking their first-ever ODI victory over Pakistan. For Pakistan, it was a tough day, as their performance fell short in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding. Let’s dive into the scorecard to see how the game unfolded.
Pakistan’s Innings: Setting the Target
Pakistan batted first after winning the toss, aiming to post a competitive total on a pitch known for its batting-friendly conditions. Their innings concluded at 282/7 in 50 overs, a respectable score but one that would prove insufficient against Afghanistan’s determined chase. Here’s a detailed look at Pakistan’s batting performance:
Pakistan Batting Scorecard
|
Player |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Abdullah Shafique |
58 | 75 | 5 | 2 | 77.33 |
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Imam-ul-Haq |
17 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 77.27 |
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Babar Azam (c) |
74 | 92 | 4 | 1 | 80.43 |
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Mohammad Rizwan (wk) |
8 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 80.00 |
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Saud Shakeel |
25 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 73.53 |
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Shadab Khan |
40 | 38 | 1 | 1 | 105.26 |
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Iftikhar Ahmed |
40 | 27 | 2 | 4 | 148.15 |
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Shaheen Shah Afridi |
3* | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
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Extras |
17 |
(lb 5, w 12) |
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Total |
282/7 (50 overs) |
Run Rate: 5.64 |
Did Not Bat: Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf
Key Moments in Pakistan’s Innings
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Early Stability: Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq started cautiously, building a 56-run partnership. However, Imam’s dismissal for 17 by Azmatullah Omarzai sparked a mini-collapse.
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Babar’s Anchor Role: Captain Babar Azam played a composed 74 off 92 balls, holding the innings together. His knock included a six and four boundaries, but he fell to Noor Ahmad at a crucial stage.
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Middle-Order Struggles: Mohammad Rizwan (8) and Saud Shakeel (25) couldn’t convert their starts, leaving Pakistan at 163/4 after 34 overs.
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Late Flourish: Shadab Khan (40) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40 off 27) provided a much-needed boost with aggressive strokeplay, pushing Pakistan past 280. Iftikhar’s four sixes were a highlight, showcasing his power-hitting.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance
Afghanistan’s bowlers were disciplined and effective, with young spinner Noor Ahmad stealing the show. Here’s how their bowlers fared:
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Naveen-ul-Haq |
7 | 0 | 52 | 2 | 7.42 |
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Azmatullah Omarzai |
8 | 0 | 50 | 1 | 6.25 |
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Mohammad Nabi |
10 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 3.10 |
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
10 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 5.50 |
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Rashid Khan |
10 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 4.10 |
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Noor Ahmad |
10 | 0 | 49 | 3 | 4.90 |
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Noor Ahmad’s Breakthrough: The 18-year-old spinner was the standout, taking 3 wickets (Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saud Shakeel). His ability to outfox experienced batsmen was a game-changer.
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Mohammad Nabi’s Control: Nabi’s economical spell (10 overs for 31 runs) kept Pakistan’s run rate in check, forcing them to take risks.
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Naveen-ul-Haq’s Late Strikes: Naveen dismissed Shadab and Iftikhar in the death overs, preventing Pakistan from posting a bigger total.
Pakistan’s total of 282 was competitive, but their fielding lapses and lack of bowling penetration would haunt them later.
Afghanistan’s Innings: A Masterclass in Chasing
Chasing 283, Afghanistan delivered a clinical performance, reaching 286/2 in 49 overs to win with an over to spare. Their batting was a perfect blend of aggression and composure, led by their openers and middle order.
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard
|
Player |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
65 | 53 | 9 | 1 | 122.64 |
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Ibrahim Zadran |
87 | 113 | 10 | 0 | 76.99 |
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Rahmat Shah |
77* | 84 | 5 | 2 | 91.66 |
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Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) |
48* | 45 | 4 | 0 | 106.67 |
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Extras |
9 |
(lb 1, w 8) |
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Total |
286/2 (49 overs) |
Run Rate: 5.84 |
Did Not Bat: Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad
Key Moments in Afghanistan’s Innings
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Explosive Opening Stand: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53) and Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113) set the tone with a 130-run partnership. Gurbaz’s aggressive 9 fours and a six put Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure early on.
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Rahmat and Shahidi’s Partnership: After Gurbaz’s dismissal, Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (48* off 45) guided Afghanistan home with an unbeaten 96-run stand. Their calm approach ensured no panic, even when the required run rate climbed.
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Clinical Finish: Shahidi hit the winning runs, sealing Afghanistan’s first ODI win over Pakistan. The team’s composure in chasing a 280+ target was remarkable.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers failed to create consistent pressure, with their spinners particularly ineffective. Here’s their bowling scorecard:
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shaheen Shah Afridi |
10 | 0 | 58 | 1 | 5.80 |
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Hasan Ali |
10 | 1 | 44 | 1 | 4.40 |
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Haris Rauf |
8 | 0 | 53 | 0 | 6.62 |
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Usama Mir |
8 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 6.87 |
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Shadab Khan |
8 | 0 | 49 | 0 | 6.12 |
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Iftikhar Ahmed |
5 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 5.40 |
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Shaheen’s Mixed Day: Shaheen Afridi took 1 wicket but was expensive, conceding 58 runs in 10 overs.
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Hasan Ali’s Effort: Hasan bowled a maiden and took Ibrahim Zadran’s wicket, but Afghanistan’s batsmen played him cautiously.
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Spin Struggles: Shadab Khan and Usama Mir were unable to control the run flow, allowing Afghanistan’s batsmen to rotate the strike easily.
Standout Performances
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Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): His 87 off 113 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. His steady knock laid the foundation for the chase.
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Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan): The young spinner’s 3/49 was pivotal in restricting Pakistan’s total.
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Rahmat Shah (Afghanistan): His unbeaten 77 was a masterclass in anchoring a chase under pressure.
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Babar Azam (Pakistan): Despite the loss, Babar’s 74 was a valiant effort to keep Pakistan competitive.
Why Afghanistan’s Win Was Historic
This victory was a landmark moment for Afghanistan cricket. Here’s why:
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First ODI Win Over Pakistan: Afghanistan had faced Pakistan in 7 ODIs prior to this match, losing all of them. This win broke that streak and showcased their growth as a cricketing nation.
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World Cup Milestone: Beating a cricketing powerhouse like Pakistan in a World Cup match was a statement of intent from Afghanistan, who also defeated England and Sri Lanka in the same tournament.
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Inspiring a Nation: As Mohammad Nabi said post-match, “This is a big moment for the whole of Afghanistan. We’ve been waiting for 10-12 years for such a moment.” The victory resonated deeply with Afghan fans, symbolizing hope and resilience.
What Went Wrong for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s loss exposed several weaknesses:
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Fielding Woes: Captain Babar Azam criticized the team’s fielding, saying, “Fielding is all about attitude, and I don’t see any attitude from the team.” Dropped catches and misfields cost them dearly.
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Bowling Inconsistency: Pakistan’s spinners failed to exploit the Chennai pitch, and their pacers, except Hasan Ali, were expensive.
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Lack of Aggression: Babar’s captaincy was questioned for not using pace bowlers enough in the middle overs, allowing Afghanistan’s batsmen to settle.
The Bigger Picture: Afghanistan’s Rise in Cricket
Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket is nothing short of inspiring. From playing in Pakistan’s domestic tournaments in the early 2000s to defeating top teams in the World Cup, they’ve come a long way. This match highlighted their ability to compete with the best, thanks to players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, and Noor Ahmad. Their spin-heavy attack, led by Rashid Khan, and a fearless batting lineup make them a dangerous side in any format.
Pakistan’s Road Ahead
For Pakistan, this loss was part of a challenging World Cup campaign, with three consecutive defeats. However, their talent pool, led by Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, ensures they remain a formidable team. The loss served as a wake-up call to address fielding and tactical issues.
How to Follow Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
If you’re eager to stay updated on future Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard clashes, here are some tips:
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Live Scorecards: Websites like ESPNCricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Sky Sports provide ball-by-ball updates and detailed scorecards.
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Streaming Platforms: Matches are often streamed on platforms like ICC.tv or local broadcasters, depending on your region.
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Social Media: Follow the Pakistan Cricket Board (@TheRealPCB) and Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) on X for real-time updates.
Conclusion: A Match to Remember
The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard on October 23, 2023, was more than just a game—it was a celebration of cricket’s ability to inspire and unite. Afghanistan’s historic 8-wicket victory, driven by Ibrahim Zadran’s composure and Noor Ahmad’s brilliance, will be remembered as a turning point in their cricketing journey. For Pakistan, it was a tough lesson, but their resilience ensures they’ll bounce back stronger.
