Ibrahim Zadran dedicates his POTM award to Afghan refugees forcibly relocated from Pakistan. Ibrahim Zadran hit a match-winning 87 (113) to enable Pakistan overcome them by eight wickets.
After several nail-biting thrillers against Pakistan in recent years. Afghanistan eventually managed to edge past their Asian rivals by eight wickets in Match 22 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Monday, October 23. Ibrahim Zadran shone with the bat for the Afghans, scoring 87 (113) to help his team chase down 283 runs in 49 overs.
For his match-winning performance, the 21-year-old was rightfully named Player of the Match. The opening batter dedicated his medal to the Afghan refugees. Who were return to Pakistan during the post-match interview.
“I would like to dedicate this POTM award to the people who were sent back from Pakistan to Afghanistan. ” Gurbaz stated after the game.
Notably, the Pakistani government cracked down on thousands of Afghan refugees living in the country. Ordering them to leave by November 1 or risk deportation. Tens of thousands of Afghan nationals fled Islamabad as a result.
The decision occurred amid calls from the US to let Afghan refugees seeking international protection in neighboring countries to safeguard them from persecution and other abuse by Taliban leadership.
Also Visit: The ICC Chief Executive has expressed his condolences on the death of Bishan Singh Bedi.
Afghanistan register their third win in ODI World Cup history
Meanwhile, Afghanistan won their third ODI World Cup match, and their first over Pakistan in the format. Earlier in the day, after deciding to bat first, Pakistan scored a respectable 282/7 in their allotted 50 overs, led by captain Babar Azam’s 74 (92).
In response, Afghanistan’s openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65 off 53 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 113. ) Added 130 runs for the first wicket in just 127 balls. Following their dismissals, captain Hasmatullah Shahidi (48* off 45) and Rahmat Shah (77* off 84) guided their team to a historic victory over Pakistan in 49 overs.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami accuracy against New Zealand was outstanding: Aakash Chopra