Afghanistan expecting ‘ripple effect’ from historic Cricket World Cup win over Pakistan
Afghanistan chased down 283 to win by eight wickets
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The landmark win over Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup will cause a ripple effect in Afghan cricket and inspire future players, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott said.
Afghan batters chased down the 283 target methodically, with a focus on singles and doubles to keep off the pressure, winning the match by eight wickets with six balls to spare. It was their second win in five games, and Afghanistan’s third-ever World Cup victory.
It was also their first victory over neighbours Pakistan in eight One Day International (ODI) matches and the first World Cup win while chasing against a Test-playing nation.
“This will have a great ripple effect,” Trott told reporters. “I want to make sure that (the players)... pass it on and remember that game in Chennai when we chased on 283 against Pakistan.”
The Englishman called the 130-run opening partnership put on by Rehmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) the “turning point” and praised Rahmat Shah, who played through several cramps to help steady the game when the openers fell.
“You could easily... get a bit nervous or panicky... but shot that he played there to hit a straight six sort of broke the back of the game,” Trott said of Shah, who scored an unbeaten 77, 45 of which came from ones and twos.
This win along with the Oct. 15 triumph over defending champions England propelled Afghanistan from the bottom of the table to sixth place before facing ninth-place Sri Lanka next Monday.
“I will say to the players make sure you enjoy these victories but as soon as we (arrive in) Pune... take the confidence from the game and start looking forward to Sri Lanka,” Trott said.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments