Legendary Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis was on commentary duty when Afghanistan created history by registering their first-ever ODI win over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target of 283 runs with 8 wickets in hand in Chennai on October 23.
Pakistani batting let them down as Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique did score half-centuries, but their slow pace of scoring hampered the side’s chances of a big score. They only made 282 runs due to some death overs hitting by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan.
In response, Pakistani bowling proved to be toothless as neither their pacers nor spinners could make any impact on bowler-friendly pitch in Chepauk. Afghanistan got off to a flyer thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, while Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah ensured that the team reached the target with ease.
CWC 2023: WATCH- Afghan people celebrate by firing guns in the air after Afghanistan beats Pakistan
In a viral video capturing the electrifying moment, Waqar Younis was visibly stunned as Afghanistan's captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, struck the winning boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 49th over.
His fellow commentator, Zimbabwe’s Mpumelelo Mbangwa, announced the historic moment with infectious excitement, but Waqar was at a loss for words. Joining them in the commentary box, former Australia batter Matthew Hayden was equally silent as the magnitude of the victory sank in.
Here is the video:
Pakistan's campaign in the tournament took a difficult turn, with this defeat being their third consecutive loss after commencing with two back-to-back wins. They faced defeats at the hands of India and Australia, previous to this loss.
