Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan and Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan grooved on the field after the latter's team registered their first-ever win over Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Monday.
Afghanistan staged the second-biggest upset in the tournament after their win over England as they gunned down the tricky target of 283 against the Men in Green to register two wins in an ODI World Cup for the first time in their history.
Clinical Afghans thrash clueless Pakistan
On a challenging Chepauk track, a target of 283 was certainly not the easiest of chases but Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) teed off in style while his partner Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113 balls) dropped anchor at the other end in an opening stand of 130 which laid the perfect platform.
Rahmat Shah and captain Hasmatullah Shahidi then joined forces and took their team over the line with their unbeaten 96-run partnership for the third wicket.
Afghanistan end the Pakistan jinx
Having lost seven ODIs against Pakistan, Afghanistan was missing out on that finishing touches which was required and all the four batters did play their parts to perfection in what was their highest run-chase in history of 50 over format.
Afghan players took a lap of honour around the MA Chidambaram stadium to thank their fans and the Chennai crowd who turned up in large numbers to support both teams.
The 21,000 odd sporting crowd at Chepauk also gave the team a nice standing ovation. It was during their lap of honour that Rashid spotted Irfan Pathan and they both shook a leg before the cricketer rejoined his team in the victory celebrations.
Afghanistan skipper on cloud nine
"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. We have been playing quality cricket, the belief was there when we played the Asia Cup as well.
"First was England, today Pakistan, looking forward to the other games. We'll try to play positive cricket and do a lot for out country. The spin bowling deprogramming was very good. Noor showed his talent.
"Gurbaz and Ibrahim gave the momentum and confidence. The game was in our hand from the beginning till the end," Afghan skipper Shahidi said after the match.
