Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Afghanistan would have been confident of giving Pakistan a run for their money in the ongoing three-match series after pulling off the rare feat of defeating Bangladesh at their home, earlier this year. In the first ODI in Hambantota, the Afghan bowlers were on the money as they dismissed Pakistan for 201. However, the batters couldn’t put up a fight against arguably the best pace-bowling attack in the world. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men were skittled out for 59 as Pakistan won by 142 runs.
After the shambolic defeat, Afghanistan had to show tremendous character to pick themselves up and start afresh in the second ODI on Thursday, August 24. Captain Shahidi won the toss and opted to bat first. His openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran backed up his decision with a record-breaking 227-run partnership.
The wicketkeeper-batter was at his flamboyant best while Zadran was happy to play second fiddle. In the 40th over, the latter was dismissed for a well-compiled knock of 80 in 101 balls. He hit six fours and two sixes in his innings. Their 227-run partnership was the second-highest for the first wicket against the ‘Men in Green’.
Gurbaz surpasses MS Dhoni for the highest individual score versus Pakistan in ODIs
Gurbaz, who is a naturally aggressive batter, took the attack to the Pakistani bowlers and notched up his fifth ODI hundred. He broke a few records during his innings of 151 in as many balls. The right-handed batter surpassed MS Dhoni’s score of 148, which was the highest for a wicketkeeper versus Pakistan in ODIs.
The 21-year-old also became the first centurion for Afghanistan against Pakistan. Gurbaz’s innings comprised 14 fours and three sixes, respectively. The memorable knocks from Gurbaz and Zadran helped Afghanistan set a challenging target of 301 for Babar Azam’s men.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Gurbaz and Zadran’s mammoth double-ton opening stand:
Pakistan finally manages to get a wicket – 227/1.
Ibrahim Zadran departs for a well made 80 in 101 balls! pic.twitter.com/nXCmvklvH8
— Newbysuresh (@newbysuresh) August 24, 2023
Great century with injury ❤️
Playing well everywhere, such a batter for Afghanistan.#Gurbaz #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/eAmEljsAAd
— Masum (@masum_twt) August 24, 2023
Pace is pace yarrr!!!
He is bashing them 😁🤭
Wow Gurbaz 💥👏🏻👏🏻
#AFGvPAK #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/ShgO0tne5D
— Shivam 👀✨️ (@Hii_ImShivam) August 24, 2023
5th ODI HUNDRED for Rahmanullah Gurbaz . He surpasses Babar Azam to become the 3rd Fastest to 5 ODI Centuries.#AFGvPAK #PakvsAfg #Afghanistan #AfghanAtalan pic.twitter.com/dZjGOEaJef
— Haseena patan (@patanHaseena) August 24, 2023
Century No. 5 in ODI for Rahmanullah Gurbaz 👏 #PakvsAfg #AfghanistanCricketpic.twitter.com/9xmMDJc52M
— CricketO (@CricketO22) August 24, 2023
5th ODI century for Gurbaz 🔥⚡
Well played jaani 💜#AmIKKR #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/d1M6bOfMY2
— J I T E N D R A🇮🇳 (@JitendraMahor_7) August 24, 2023
Rahmanullah Gurbaaz tore into Haris Rauf, hitting him for four consecutive boundaries.#AFGvPAK #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/2o9SvSxraT
— Ajeet Singh (@Roajeet007) August 24, 2023
Rahmanullah Gurbaz in his brief ODI career
100 v Ireland
100 v Netherlands
Multiple 100s v Bangladesh
100 v Pakistan
Gurbaz has hit 5 ODI 100s in just 23 innings#PAKvAFG#AFGvPAK#Cricket pic.twitter.com/fH5zGS5GeE
— Arnav Singh (@Arnavv43) August 24, 2023
Gurbaz is so pleasing to watch when he is in rhythm. Phenomenal hundred against #Pakistan especially after their loss in their first game. #AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/SouZhuQLTt
— சிவகணேஷ்🌿 (@Siva_tweets96) August 24, 2023
5th ODI HUNDRED for Rahmanullah Gurbaz . He surpasses Babar Azam to become the 3rd Fastest to 5 ODI Centuries.#AFGvPAK #PakvsAfg #Afghanistan #AfghanAtalan pic.twitter.com/hG5eITr2dg
— Extra Pace (@ExtraPace) August 24, 2023
Gurbaz is toying with pakistan bowlers. .
18 runs from haris rauf over who picked fiver in his last match.
Afg-206-0(37)#PakvsAfg #AFGvPAK #PakistanCricket #Afghanistan #CricketTwitter #Cricket
FOLLOW FOR MORE. pic.twitter.com/gIJmSxqviR
— sporting venture (@InfoMedication) August 24, 2023
All out on 59 in 1st match 200-0 in 2nd match world’s best bowling attack is clueless against Gurzab n Ibrahim… #PakvsAfg #AFGvPAK #RahmanullahGurbaz
— Saqib Farshori (@saqibfarshori) August 24, 2023
Rahmanullah GurbaZ and Ibrahim Zadran!
A phenomenal duo for Afghanistan Cricket.
Another Double-century partnership by this pair.
Always love to watch them.#AFGvsPAK #CricketTwitter
— Mr.X (@Mahfujul_18) August 24, 2023