CHENNAI, India (Reuters) – Afghanistan’s top order fired to secure a memorable eight-wicket victory against 1992 champions Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup in Chennai on Monday.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique smashed half-centuries and the team plundered 91 runs from the final 10 overs to post 282-7 on a turning track at the M.A.Chidambaram Stadium.
However, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (87) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) combined in a breakneck opening stand of 130 to give their side the perfect start.
Rahmat Shah (77) then joined skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48) in an unbroken 96-run stand to secure Afghanistan’s second victory of the tournament, which was also their first ODI win against Pakistan.
(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Ken Ferris)
