OCT 24, 2023 : Alongside star spinner Rashid Khan, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan celebrated Afghanistan’s incredible victory against Pakistan in the 2017 World Cup in style. Afghanistan stunned the crowd on Monday by winning their first-ever 50-over cricket match against Pakistan and their second unexpected victory in the World Cup. While the Afghanistan squad was celebrating, Rashid noticed Irfan providing commentary for the host broadcaster. After seeing one another, the two cricket players gave each other a tight hug and danced to celebrate their win.Irfan commented, “And I full filled mine,” after sharing a video of the joyous occasion on Instagram. He also talked about keeping his word if Afghanistan won. I informed @rashid.khan19 that I would dance again after he assured me that they will win again.” On Monday, Afghanistan upset their neighbours with a crushing eight-wicket loss on a sluggish Chennai surface, riding high on an impressive all-around performance in the field. Together with Rahmat Shah (77)* at No. 3, the opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) shone at the bat to enable Afghanistan record a historic victory. Following their humiliation by India, Pakistan’s bowlers produced another lacklustre performance, putting no pressure on the Afghan batting while holding India to a respectable total of 283 on a difficult and slow-moving Chennai pitch. Afghanistan chased 283—a difficult score on a Chennai surface that offered variable bounce—and won by eight wickets with one over remaining. Afghanistan has now defeated two of cricket’s biggest powers, Pakistan (the past world champions) and England (the current champions). Afghanistan’s victory moved them up to sixth place in the standings. Pakistan, meanwhile, maintained their fifth-place finish with four points and a net run rate of -0.400.Next up for the flying Afghans is a match against Sri Lanka on October 30 at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, which has a high scoring capacity.
