• Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 142 runs in the first ODI.

  • Haris Rauf returned with impressive figures of 6.2-2-18-5.

Twitter reactions: Haris Rauf’s stunning 5-fer helps Pakistan steamroll Afghanistan in 1st ODI
Pakistan beat Afghanistan in the first ODI (Image Source: Twitter)

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The first One-Day International (ODI) between Afghanistan and Pakistan took place at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota where the Men in Green registered a dominating triumph by 142 runs.

Having won the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first. Their innings got off to a slow start as opener Fakhar Zaman departed early, scoring 2 runs. However, Imam ul Haq steadied the ship with a solid 61 runs off 94 balls.

The rest of the Pakistani batting line-up struggled to build substantial partnerships, with only Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab Khan (39) making notable contributions. The Afghanistan bowlers, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman‘s excellent spell of 3 wickets for 33 runs, kept the pressure on Pakistan. Eventually, Pakistan were bundled out for 201 runs in 47.1 overs.

Also WATCH: Comedy of errors in Hambantota as Pakistan fielders goof up against Afghanistan

Haris Rauf destroys Afghanistan batting unit with fiery bowling exhibition

Afghanistan faced an uphill battle as they struggled against the disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Their innings crumbled under the immense pressure imposed by Pakistan’s bowlers. Apart from Azmatullah Omarzai‘s quickfire 16 runs and Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s patient 18 runs, the Afghan batters failed to put up a fight.

Haris Rauf was the standout performer for the tourists, wreaking havoc with a five-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in his 6.2 overs. Afghanistan was bundled out for a mere 59 runs in 19.2 overs. Pakistan’s dominant performance with both bat and ball secured them a comprehensive victory of 142 runs.

Rauf’s exceptional bowling earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning performance, which played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumph. This convincing win in the 1st ODI provides Pakistan with early momentum in the series, while Afghanistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series in the upcoming matches.

Also READ: Batting prodigy Tilak Varma spills beans over his selection in India’s Asia Cup squad

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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CATEGORY: Haris Rauf Twitter Reactions

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AKSHAT GAUR
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