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The ODI World Cup 2023 has turned out to be an extraordinary event so far, with each match bringing its own share of excitement and surprises. Among the numerous incredible moments that this tournament has offered, Afghanistan’s journey has stood out as a heartwarming tale of triumph and tenacity.
Recently, Afghanistan added another chapter to their cricketing journey by defeating Sri Lanka in a thrilling encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday (October 30).
Afghanistan’s remarkable win over Sri Lanka and Irfan Pathan’s dance
Afghanistan’s remarkable victory over Sri Lanka has marked their resurgence in international cricket, and cricket enthusiasts around the world have been applauding their extraordinary achievements. The Afghan team has not only displayed incredible teamwork but also gained the admiration and support of many from the cricketing fraternity. The enthusiasm and camaraderie were evident when former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan celebrated Afghanistan’s win by dancing to the beats of Afghan music in a broadcasting studio.
Harbhajan Singh joins Irfan Pathan and grooves to the Afghan tunes
Irfan was joined by the veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, and the two cricketers seemed to be in high spirits as they grooved to the Afghan tunes, capturing the joyous moment on video, which quickly went viral across the internet.
Here’s the video
Notably, this was not the first time that Irfan celebrated Afghanistan’s win by shaking his legs as he earlier also had danced with Afghan spinner Rashid Khan after their historic win over Pakistan.
Also READ: 7 Indian-origin players who are playing for different nations in ODI World Cup 2023
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka: Match Overview
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s four-fer restricts Sri Lanka to a subpar total
The match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka was a crucial one, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Sri Lanka batted first and posted a target of 242 runs for Afghanistan. The Sri Lankan batters delivered a decent performance, with Pathum Nissanka top-scoring with 46 runs. Kusal Mendis (39) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (36) also made valuable contributions. However, Afghanistan’s young pacer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, emerged as the star performer, taking four wickets for just 34 runs and putting the brakes on the Sri Lankan innings, which eventually folded at 241 runs.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s fifty guides Afghanistan to decent victory
Afghanistan’s run chase was an exhibition of their determination and batting prowess. They reached the target with seven wickets to spare, showcasing a commanding performance. Azmatullah Omarzai played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring a remarkable 73 runs. He received solid support from Rahmat Shah (62) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (58). This dominant batting display secured a comprehensive victory for Afghanistan, a moment of great pride for their team and the nation.
