Cricket

World Cup 2023: Our bowlers did well to restrict them – Mohammad Nabi after memorable win against Pakistan

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has showered praise on the bowlers after their massive win against Pakistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Monday. After Babar Azam decided to bat first, Afghanistan was able to restrict them to 282, which one thought was a par score at the halfway stage but it wasn’t to be.

Pakistan was given a decent start as Abdullah Shafique continued to impress as he scored another fifty, his second of the tournament. However, Pakistan lost two quick wickets to find themselves at 120-3.

Babar Azam top-scored with 74 to get the much-needed runs under his belt whereas the finishing touches were given by Shadab Khan (40 off 38) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40 off 27).

In fact, Afghanistan had gone in with four spinners and all of them did a fine job. The 18-year-old World Cup debutant Noor Ahmad was the pick of the Afghanistan spinners, returning with 3-49.

Naveen ul Haq, the solitary main pacer in the playing XI, bagged two wickets. Furthermore, Nabi bowled a fine spell of 1-31 whereas Rashid Khan was also economical, conceding 41 runs in his 10 overs but went wicketless.

Mohammad Nabi said while talking to Star Sports, “I think our bowlers did very well to restrict them to that kind of total. The plan was to play Noor in this game, and he bowled brilliantly, in the right areas. This win is a long time coming, we played for the first time in 2012, then Asia Cup and 2019 World Cup. Lots of close games against Pakistan.”

Nabi also hailed the team’s openers – Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz went on to score an attacking knock of 65 runs off just 53 balls whereas Zadran played a match-winning knock of 87 runs, second highest for Afghanistan in their World Cup history.

He added, “We can not only defend but also chase well now. This win is the favorite, we have played 7-8 games against them, and in the last moment, we have always lost. The way Ibrahim and Gurbaz started, gave us the momentum. We didn’t lose back-to-back wickets till the end. We thought the surface would be like the NZ game, but it was much easier.”

Afghanistan will next take on Sri Lanka at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024