After facing a humiliating defeat against Pakistan in the first ODI, Afghan batters bounced back in the second match. After opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a massive total of 300/5 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
Batting first, Afghani opener Ibrahim Zadran and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 227 runs for the first wicket. Zadran, in his innings, scored 80 runs off 101 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes. He missed out on a well-deserved century as he was dismissed by Usama Mir in the 40th over of the game.
Meanwhile, Gurbaz had some other plans. He was belting Pakistani bowlers all around the park as he scored 151 runs off 151 deliveries with the help of fourteen fours and four sixes. He was looking at another level with his amazing hitting power. Gurbaz registered his career-best score after scoring his fifth ODI hundred. In the end, he was dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 45th over of the game.
Will Pakistan be able to chase the target?
In the end, some quick fire from skipper Shahidi and allrounder Mohammed Nabi of Afghanistan crossed the 300-run mark. Nabi, in his innings, scored 29 runs off 29 balls with the help of three fours. For Pakistan, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Usama Mir and Naseem Shah got one wicket each.
The previous match’s hero, Haris Rauf, went wicketless as he conceded 48 runs in 7 overs. He was the most expensive bowler in the Pakistani line-up. It’s worth noting that chasing 300 will not be easy work for Pakistan. Considering their performance with the bat in the previous game, it will be an interesting run chase. Pakistan was bowled out for 201 runs in the previous match at the same ground, however, their bowlers won the game for them.
Here is how fans reacted to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s performance:
Owned so called 150+ pacers pic.twitter.com/ofESd27sT3
— Tas ?? (@TasneemKhatai1) August 24, 2023
Reasons why Gurbaz 151> Babar's 158:-
– Gurbaz's scored against 150kmph A team of Pak while Babar scored against Eng's Z team.
– Gurbaz scored on tough SL pitch, Zimbu on flat Eng pitch.
– Gurbaz had weaker partners to support; Babar's team has stronger batters than him.Hence,…
— ????????!??_?? (@bholination) August 24, 2023
Better player than babar azam ?
— Dennis? (@DenissForReal) August 24, 2023
Bashing minnows?…Well played Gurbaz
— Nabab ?? (@iNabab7) August 24, 2023
His 4 boundaries in Haris Rauf's over ?
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) August 24, 2023
Gurbaz >>> whole Pakistan Team
— VINEETH?? (@sololoveee) August 24, 2023
Some League Contract got fixed for him
— Renu K ? (@Talk2Rinki) August 24, 2023
NEW ABBA OF PAKISTAN IN CRICKET
— Er.Atul Vaidya??? (@atulvai04795672) August 24, 2023
Owned so called 150 KPH bowlers ?? well done Gurbaz
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 24, 2023
Better than barbar hazam
— Mukesh M (@mukkuseervi02) August 24, 2023
Official papa of zimbabar ?
— ? ? ? ? ? ?ç?????? (@i_am_juari) August 24, 2023
Le Pakistani Pacers: lekin hum to 145+ ki speed me fenkte gain: pic.twitter.com/ETeABsMM7o
— Mahabali Thanos (@MahabaliThanos) August 24, 2023
played much better than most of the indian team against the pace attack! Well done Sir!
— The Second Act (@WahSaeenWah) August 24, 2023
Same feeling ? pic.twitter.com/vHAgTKha9K
— KK (@_Dear__Zindagi_) August 24, 2023
