Pakistan defeated Afghanistan with a commanding 142-run margin in the first One Day International (ODI) match held in Hambantota. The match showcased Pakistan’s fiery pace bowling attack, particularly the sensational five-wicket haul taken by Haris Rauf, which left Afghanistan puzzled.
The game began with Afghanistan choosing to bowl first, as they managed to restrict Pakistan’s batting lineup for a modest 201 runs. Despite consistent wicket losses, Imam-ul-Haq’s resilient 61-run contribution gave Pakistan a fighting total. However, Afghanistan’s happiness at their bowling performance was short-lived.
Afghanistan’s pursuit quickly turned into a nightmare as they faced an onslaught from Pakistan’s pacers. The opening bowlers, Rauf and Shaheen Afridi ran through them, dismantling the top order within a blink of an eye.
Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan chipped in with crucial wickets, leaving Afghanistan struggling at every turn. Notably, the young Rahmanullah Gurbaz emerged as the top-scorer for Afghanistan with just 18 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai was the only other to score in double digits (16), highlighting the team’s batting woes.
The spotlight, however, remained firmly on Rauf, who exhibited a remarkable bowling performance to secure a five-wicket haul. Gurbaz’s wicket, claimed by Rauf’s exceptional delivery, was a highlight of the match while Shaheen’s double-wicket maiden and Shadab’s sensational catch were also a treat to watch.
Here are the best tweets from the first TODI between Afghanistan and Pakistan:
May Allah protect our team and our pace bowling attack from buri nazar. Ameen ❤️ #PaceIsPaceYaar #ThePakistanWay #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/Wb5q43Lyit
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 22, 2023
#AFGvPAK
Unpredictable Pakistan will be treat to watch in world Cup
— insane Indian (@hunterhrs9) August 22, 2023
🇵🇰 @TheRealPCB with a clinical bowling performance 🔥#AFGvPAK https://t.co/yz2vgwQse1
— Willow TV US (@willowtv) August 22, 2023
Congratulations to team Pakistan!!!! What a win 🙈 #AFGvPAK
— Saqlain Haider (@saqlainhaideruk) August 22, 2023
FIRST FIVE-WICKET HAUL IN ODI CRICKET FOR HARIS RAUF 🔥🔥
PAKISTAN 🇵🇰 have won the match by 142 runs. 🔥💪
ALHAMDULLILAH ❤️
#AFGvPAK #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/RJmFqd6c8C
— shoaib Akhtar (@shoaibA09674447) August 22, 2023
How would you describe Haris Rauf’s performance? #AFGvPAK #PAKvAFG #HarisRauf pic.twitter.com/I6A1DKLIXA
— Fourth Umpire (@UmpireFourth) August 22, 2023
Imam Ul Haq 61
Afghanistan 59
Imam won by 2 runs 😂❤️ #AFGvPAK
— Suraj Uddin (@SurajUddin5) August 22, 2023
Imam ul Haq – 61 off 94 balls with SR of 64.89.
In the end, he ended up as the highest run-scorer of the game and Imam won the game by 2 runs against Afghanistan.
That’s how useful slow innings can be in such wickets. @ImamUlHaq12 #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/BqmOxDa2Mb
— Saif Ahmed 🇧🇩 (@saifahmed75) August 22, 2023
Brilliant bowling by Pakistan what a win 😇😇😍😍#AFGvPAK
— Anees 56 (@AneesRaja56) August 22, 2023
#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/5yUiNGfgvN
— Ziyad (@ziyadk8) August 22, 2023