Cricket World Cup highlights: Afghanistan cruise past Pakistan by eight wickets in Chennai

PAKISTAN OPT TO BAT: Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique plays a sweep shot against Afghanistan during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, on October 23, 2023. Pakistan, who elected to bat, scored 56 in the powerplay, before Imam-ul-Haq (17) was dismissed. Shafique went on score a stroke-filled 58.

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS: Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam watches the ball. He struck 74 and shared three significant partnerships with Shafique, Saud Shakeel (25) and Shadab Khan (40).

WICKET DELIGHT: Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad celebrates after claiming the wicket of Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan. Left-arm leg-spinner Ahmed, 18, was the pick of Afghan bowlers, dismissing Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam — all big wickets.

BLAZING AWAY: Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed lashed a 27-ball 40 with two fours and four sixes in a late assault that pushed Pakistan past 280. They finished at 282/7 in 50 overs.

OPENING SALVO: Afghanistan’s opening batsmen Ibrahim Zadran (left) talks with his teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They added 79 in the first 10 overs and 130 in 21.1 overs before Gurbaz (65) was caught at third man.

MUCH-NEEDED BREAKTHROUGH: Pakistan's ace pacer Shaheen Afridi celebrates with skipper Babar Azam after giving dismissing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

KEEPING THE MOMENTUM GOING: Afghanistan batters Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi ensured that Pakistan don't get a toe-hold in the contest, dashing the hopes of skipper Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. The duo put on 196 runs for the unbroken third-wicket partnership to take Afghanistan home.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi celebrates after winning the match against Pakistan. The skipper and Rahmat Shah put on an unbroken 196-run partnership for the third wicket.

VICTORY LAP: Afghanistan players applaud fans after winning the match by eight wickets in Chepauk on Monday.