Following a thrilling performance that led Afghanistan to a stunning victory over Pakistan on Monday in the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghan batsman Ibrahim Zadran made a poignant declaration while accepting the Player of the Match (POTM) award for his electrifying 87-run innings.
Zadran, exultant after his exceptional contribution, chose to dedicate the Player of the Match honor to his compatriots who had been repatriated from Pakistan. During the post-match presentation, he expressed his sentiments, stating, "I am feeling very glad for myself and for my country. I want to dedicate this man of the match award to those who are sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan,"
Zadran's remarkable performance was pivotal in Afghanistan's triumph, with Shah contributing an unbeaten 77 runs and Gurbaz striking a formidable 65 off 53 deliveries. Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi also played a significant role, chipping in with 48 runs off 45 balls.
Zadran was effusive in his praise for Gurbaz, highlighting the critical support he received from his fellow opener. Their partnership, worth an impressive 130 runs, swung the momentum in Afghanistan's favor. Zadran added, "The way Gurbaz supported me was instrumental in our success. I'm overjoyed for myself and my homeland."
Meanwhile, reports from Pakistan's state-run radio disclosed that a staggering 3,248 Afghan refugees were repatriated to Afghanistan in a single day on October 21, as part of the ongoing deportation efforts. According to Pakistani authorities, over 51,000 Afghans have been expelled since the announcement of the deadline for the removal of undocumented migrants.
According to a Pakistani news outlet, the government's forthcoming policy change restricting border crossing solely to individuals with valid passports and visas will take effect on November 1. After this date, no one will be permitted to cross the Pak-Afghan border using a Pakistani identity card or Afghan permit. Approximately 1.73 million Afghans residing in Pakistan currently lack legal documentation.
The historic win for Afghanistan against Pakistan in the ODI marked a monumental moment in their cricketing history, as the top four batters delivered a sensational display, complemented by Noor Ahmed's exceptional three-wicket performance.
Pakistan's tendency to stumble when facing challenging situations resurfaced yet again, as Afghanistan secured an impressive 8-wicket victory in Chennai, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe. The batsmen, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), and Rahmat Shah (77)*, shone brilliantly to engineer an emphatic upset triumph for Afghanistan.
Also read | Men's ODI WC: Gurbaz, Zadran, Noor help Afghanistan stun Pakistan by eight wickets
