Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has lavished praise on his side’s young openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran after the stunning eight-wicket win over Pakistan at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, saying “sky’s the limit” for the match-winning youngsters.
Set 283 to win at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, Afghanistan made a brilliant start to their chase with Gurbaz making a 53-ball 65 while his opening partner Zadran anchored the innings with a 113-ball 87 as they raised 130 runs for the first wicket.
Rahmat Shah, who scored an unbeaten 77 off 84 deliveries and shared an unbeaten 86-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48 not out), played a key role as Afghanistan reached 286/2 in 49 overs after restricting Pakistan to 282/7 in 50 overs.
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This is Afghanistan’s second upset in this tournament after they stunned defending champions England by 69 runs a few days back. This was their highest-ever chase in ODI history.
“The turning point for me was the start that Ibrahim and Gurbaz gave us – I think that’s always good when you’re chasing a total like that. You need a good start, there’s less pressure on the players coming in. And it makes their job easier,” Trott was quoted by ICC.
Both opening batters are still just 21 years old and have lit up the early weeks of this tournament. And Trott said it is terrific for the two to have the opportunity to show just how good they are on the world stage.
“I think the two opening batters that we have are very, very exceptionally talented young players and the sky’s the limit for both of them in different ways. They’re different types of players and my message to them is just keep growing your own game and play your own way.
“Have a look at what the team needs you to do and try and play accordingly within your own game plan. And we saw that tonight,” said Trott
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